Five loaves and two fish.

Just enough to feed one

hungry child. But Jesus

asked for it and the little

boy gave it gladly.

Suddenly he was part of a

miracle as thousands

marveled at the way the

Master multiplied his gift

to feed them all.

God is still multiplying gifts

today. This Sabbath, when

the Sabbath School offering

is taken, give God

something to work with.

When your offering is given

gladly, you too can

become part of a miracle!

Open Wall

Let God's love show through your giving.

HEADOUARTIERSi

6840 EASTERN AVENUE. N.W..

INDIA REGISTERED OFFICE:

SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF SDA

t51 SECOND AVENUE. ANNANAGAR

MADRAS 600040. iNDIA

General. Conference of

Sevenith-ckuj Advernis

Southern Asia Division

ADVISORy COUNCIL: SALISBURY PARE.

posT sox

10, pOONA 411001. INDIA

TELEGRAMS: . ADVENTIST. . POONA . TELEPHONE: 27220 • 27205. . 27249

2nd Quarter, 1977

Dear Fellow Sabbath School Members,

Once again the attention of the world church is focused on Southern Asia. The

world missions report this quarter, will thrill your heart as you listen to

the progress of the church in the various countries of the Southern Asia

Division. Three projects will be blessed as a result of your generous Thirteen-

th Sabbath Offering.

The Ranchi Seventh-day Adventist Hospital was established a little over

twenty-five years ago. Although situated in an industrial area, the hospital's

major service is to rural patients. New additions this year will increase the

bed

capacity from fifty-six to ninety. At present the Division has only one

full-fledged school of nursing. With the growth of the church the constituency

feels the need for additional nurses training facilities. We, therefore, re-

quest you to help us establish a nurses training program at Ranchi.

Political barriers make it impossible for the Oriental Watchman Publish-

ing Houe in Poona, India to supply the literature needs of the church in

Pakistan. The church there is literally starving for the printed page. The

Qasid Publishing House, Lahore has been established by Pakistan Union. Your

gifts this thirteenth Sabbath will make it possible for them to begin this

important function of the church in Pakistan.

We present to you once again the need for further developing our only

senior college in Southern Asia. The growing desire for further education and

the increasingly difficult hurdles placed in the way of our young people in

securing a higher education in government universities, makes it imperative

for Spicer Memorial College to seek an autonomous status which will enable

us to grant recognized degrees to graduates. Our greatest need is the develop-

ment of the college library and science facilities.

We have been recipients of your faithful stewardship in the past. You have

helped us solve many of our growing pains and once again we want to thank you

for those gifts and for what your assistance will help us accomplish in the

future.

Secretary



BANGLADESH:



BURMA:



PAKISTAN:



.1 LANE,



POST BOX MO



POST •OX 277



POST BOX 32



POST •OR 1253



DACCA 2



RANGOON



LAHORE



COLOMBO

1--ASSL2-77

AID

in the study

of this, quar-

ter's all-impor-

tant subject

a book

of lesson helps has

been prepared by Her-

bert Douglass and Leo Van

Dolson, entitled

Jesus-Bench-

mark of Humanity.

Following the sequence of the les-

sons themselves, this book will direct the reader's attention to the wit-

ness of both the Bible and Mrs. White's writings that Jesus was not only

God but also man—fully man, though He never sinned. Jesus was truly

man's Model, and it is only through constant and prayerful study of His

life on Earth that we can pattern our lives after His own.

Order your copy of

Jesus—Benchmark of Humanity

today and make

the study of the life of Christ more vivid and meaningful.

Only $2.95 at your Adventist Book Center, or order by mail from

ABC Mailing Service, Box 31776, Omaha, NE 68131. Add 30g to cover

shipping cost for the first book; 250 for each additional book. Add sales

tax where applicable.

PRODUCED FOR THE CHURCH BY

r •

DAYBREAK "11 SERIES

Adult Sabbath School Lessons/No. 328, April-June, 1977

Contnt

God With Us

Model Child and Youth

Model Overcomer

Model Man of Prayer

Model Witness

Model of Integrity

Model Teacher

Model of Sociableness

10.

Model of Faith

11.

Model of Humility

12.

Model of Love

13.

The Model Waiting to Be Reproduced

The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Sabbath School Department

of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons

is directed by a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the members of which

serve as consulting editors.

Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20012

Lesson Author: Herbert E. Douglass

Editor: W. Richard Lesher

Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore

Circulation Manager: Arthur R. Mazat

Art and Design: Concerned Communications

Scripture references other than from the King James Version quoted by permission in this quarterly are as

follows:

Phillips. From The New Testament in Modern English,

B. Phillips. Used by permission of The Macmillan Company and Collins Publishers.

RSV. From the

Revised Standard Version Bible,

Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and used by

permission.

Braille lessons available. See page 112.

Adult Sabbath School Lessons (standard edition). Single copy, 40 cents; four issues (1 year),

$1.60; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A., by

Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of SDA), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View,

California 94042. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form

3579 requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new

addresses.

vv.You Ever

Living

e Meal

Week?

It's possible to survive on one meal a

week. For a few weeks. But within a

short time you'll discover you are suf-

fering a loss of physical strength.

Likewise, your spiritual strength de-

pends on a regular consistent diet of

spiritual food.

A Sabbath morn-

ing sermon and a

Sabbath School

class discussion

once a week are not

enough to provide

the strength needed

for a life of spiritual

victory.

Daily Bible study is not an option tc

spiritual life; it is basic—not dessert but

the main course. Regular Sabbath

School lesson study is also essential

spiritual food; it is your opportunity to

follow an organized program, covering

the broad scope of

Biblical truth.

Why not decide

that your spiritual

diet deserves at

least the attention

you give the physi-

cal. God's table is

the place to feast.

Feast

An invitation to dine at God's table

JESUS, THE MODEL MAN

Introduction

This quarter's lessons will focus on Jesus, God become man. As the "Word" of

God, Jesus was concerned about making the mind and heart of God clear to man; as

the "Son of man," His chief goal was to convince the universe that the happiest,

safest, and healthiest way to live is God's way. Any theological subject worth consid-

ering should be some aspect of what Jesus made clear regarding God in His relation

to sin and the sinner.

Over the centuries great biblical themes have become isolated from their connec-

tion with Jesus. The major reason for this misunderstanding is that Christian thinkers

became confused about Jesus. The misunderstanding by Christian thinkers of Jesus'

identity, origin, mission, and intercession seems automatically to warp and distort

their view of every other biblical topic.

This quarter we shall study Jesus as man's model in every respect. There is nothing

that God asks of men and women for which He has not already provided a living

demonstration in Jesus Christ. "We are to look to the man Christ Jesus, who is

complete in the perfection of righteousness and holiness. He is the author and

finisher of our faith. He is the pattern man. His experience is the measure of the

experience that we are to gain. His character is our model. Let us, then, take our

minds off the perplexities and the difficulties of this life, and fix them on Him, that by

beholding we may be changed into His likeness. We may behold Christ to good

purpose. We may safely look to Him; for He is all-wise. As we look to Him and think of

Him, He will be formed within, the hope of glory."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA

Bible Commentary, vol.

7, p. 970.

We should understand the great issues at stake in the universe, the original

purpose of God in creating this world, how the great controversy arose, and why sin

was permitted. The plan of redemption, God's part and man's part, should be clear in

our minds. We must see the very personal aspect of sin, that it is more than ignorance

or poor performance; that it is essentially the rebellious thought and act that asserts

self over against the love and holiness of God. Uppermost in our minds must be the

central role that Jesus has played in resolving the great controversy.

Jesus, the Carpenter of Nazareth, came to this earth accepting "the results of the

working of the great law of heredity." He was "subject to the weakness of humanity."

He had "to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure

and eternal loss."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 49. He came "as one of us . .. to give an

example of obedience. . . . He endured every trial to which we are subject. And He

exercised in His own behalf no power that is not freely offered to us. . . . His life

testifies that it is possible for us also to obey the law of God."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 24.

His life of obedience was also a life of dignity, joy, integrity, and winsomeness. Men,

women, and children from all ranks of life were happy in His presence—unless they

were uncomfortable with His unselfish purity. He was the example of what His

followers should become. "Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the

divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary

and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church.

" ... The Saviour came to glorify the Father by the demonstration of His love; so the

Spirit was to glorify Christ by revealing His grace to the world. The very image of God

is to be reproduced in humanity."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 671.

Let us open our minds and hearts this quarter, imploring the Spirit to help us

become more like our Lord, the model for man.

LESSON 1 March 27 - April 2

God With Us

"They shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is, God with

us" (Matt. 1:23).

God is at the center of

everything—that is the supreme fact.

Life's meaning is either clarified by

that conviction or obscured by its

denial. The first question to ask about

God is not what man thinks about

God, but what God thinks about man.

It is what God thinks, does, and

reveals that gives meaning and

purpose to life. Without that

In the Word of God today we can

meet the Man who walked the dusty

paths of Palestine—the Man who

was truly God!

conviction what man thinks and does

can at best be only an echo of his

deepest wishes—no more.

A question of truth is always a

question about Jesus Christ—that is

why Jesus Christ is always a challenge

to men and women. No other person

in the history of mankind confronts us

with such a decision. It is in Jesus that

men and women come face-to-face

with God and His great invitation.

Through God alone can God be

known. No amount of historical

research, logic, or intuition can

discover God. Whatever is known

about God has been revealed by God.

The sharpest picture, the fullest

presentation, was Jesus of Nazareth,

God in the flesh.

Just who Jesus of Nazareth was and

where He is today must be clearly said

in our day. Our world has lost its

moorings. It is overwhelmed by future

shock that doesn't wait for men and

women to walk into it casually. Our

world thinks itself to be on the brink of

nuclear disaster or mass starvation.

The world needs many clear voices

declaring Jesus and His salvation. That

message will bring direction and hope

to many in this world who have not yet

committed themselves to self-

indulgence.

Jesus did not begin life as a man and

then acquire divinity in some grand

display of human achievement. He did

not become a great moral leader

whom God recognized could be used

to educate the human race in regard to

human potential. Jesus was the eternal

God who took upon Himself human

form. The movement was from heaven

to earth, not from earth to heaven. In

that distinction is the salvation of

mankind.

No man or woman thought up the

idea of the incarnation; truly, it is

unthinkable. In fact, that is one of the

problems men and women have had

with Jesus. He doesn't meet man on

man's terms but on God's. He exposes

men and women as God-haters whose

bent to life cuts across the grain of

God's will. He cuts people's pride in

order to heal their souls—if men and

women let Him.

The Christian church can do no

greater work than to make the person

and work of Jesus Christ clearly known

to all men. All else is secondary in

importance. Lifting up Christ brings all

other blessings in its train. But the

church must do more than examine

teachings about Jesus. Believers must

make Him Lord. Not only must they

declare Him for what He is; they must

also reveal the power of His name.

Merely to proclaim His deity and

repeat His words would be the death

of the church. How would the

unbeliever be convinced that the

Christian's Lord is indeed Redeemer,

if Christians did not become exhibits

of love, joy, peace, patience,

kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness, and self-control (Gal.

5:22, 23, RSV) as their Master was?

"God with us." What a comfort! But

what a challenge! This week, let Him

be "with" you as you open your mind

and heart to His special words to. you.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Jesus, God in Every Respect

(John 1:1, 14)

Jesus, the Word of God

(John 1:14, 18)

Jesus, the Creator

(John 1:3)

Jesus, Life and Light

(John 1:4)

Jesus, the Sustainer of Life

(Col. 1:16, 17)

Jesus, the Glory of God

(John 1:14, last part)

Part 1

JESUS, GOD IN

EVERY RESPECT

THINK IT THROUGH

LESSON 1



❑

Sunday

March 27

How far back in time does Jesus, the Word, go?

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God."

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John

1:1, 14).

John clearly states that, before Creation, Jesus was already

there. In fact, before anything that had a beginning began,

Jesus already "was." Genesis 1:1 refers to the beginning of this

planet, and John declares that Jesus was already there as the

Creator. (See John 1:3.) In other words, the second member of

the Godhead, the Word of God, always "was." He, as God, never

"became." There was no time when the Word was not! He was

not created; He was God, this One whom we on earth have

known for the last 2000 years as Jesus.

Yet, in a special sense, a member of the Godhead "became"

Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus always was God in the fullest sense. He

"became" man. He was called "Jesus" when He "became"

man, an event often referred to as the incarnation.

John here grapples with almost impossible thoughts—the

eternal God became flesh, cabined within His own creation,

subject to time and space that He Himself had made! Wonder, 0

heavens! Be astonished, 0 earth!

Although the Word was and is everlasting, without beginning

or end, He is not a solitary God. The Word was

with God

before

the beginning of all things. The Godhead is a fellowship of three

Persons, unified in purpose and spirit. (See Matt. 28:19.)

"If Christ made all things, He existed before all things. The

words spoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need

be left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest

sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed

forevermore."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Com-

mentary,

vol. 5, p. 1126.

What difficulties would you see in the biblical plan of salva-

tion if Jesus of Nazareth were not God in every respect?

God With Us

"Only by love is love awakened. To know God is to love Him;

His character must be manifested in contrast to the character of

Satan. This work only one Being in all the universe could do.

Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could

make it known."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 22.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 19-26.

God With Us

LESSON 1



❑

Monday

March 28

Part 2

JESUS, THE

WORD OF GOD

THINK IT THROUGH

Why did John call Jesus, the Word?

"The Word was made flesh."

"No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son,

which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him"

(John 1:14, 18).

Just as speech conveys thought and words give exactness to

communication, so Jesus, as the Word of God, declared what

God is like. As man and for man, Jesus was God's thought and

character made visible and audible.

Simply put, Jesus came to show us what God is like. The

unseen God did not choose to reveal Himself in the voice of

thunder. Neither did He choose to write His message in

heavenly penmanship across the blue sky; He knew that

dreams, visions, and even angels were not adequate. No matter

how much attention He received during Old Testament times

through such methods, He was still limited by intermediaries

and partial revelations. A person can be truly known to human

beings only in a physical self-revelation. Through God alone

could God be known. God became man so that man could have

a fair chance to know Him.

Almost everyone has been introduced to new friends through

intermediaries. Such go-betweens describe the person's physi-

cal features, hobbies, interests, disposition, dislikes, etc. If the

intermediary were a son, a daughter, a spouse, or a parent, the

description would be more accurate. But rarely does this mental

picture correspond with the information gained through a per-

sonal meeting. The self-revelation in a personal appearance is

the only fair way for a person to make himself known.

Only the personal appearance of God Himself could eliminate

questions and fill in the blank spots in man's mind regarding His

Creator. As the "Word" of God declaring the truth about God,

what Jesus

did

was as revealing as what He

said.

Why is it that nature, or even a prophet's transmission of

divine messages, could not adequately convey what God is

like?

"God saw that a clearer revelation than nature was needed to

portray both His personality and His character. He sent His Son

into the world to manifest, so far as could be endured by human

sight, the nature and the attributes of the invisible God."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 419.

FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 418-426.

2-ASSL 2-77

God With Us

LESSON 1



❑

Tuesday

March 29

Part 3



What awesome, incomparable capability did John ascribe

JESUS, to Jesus?

THE CREATOR

"All things were made by him; and without him was not

anything made that was made" (John 1:3).

Jesus is the Creator of the universe. He was before all things

and was indebted to no one for His own existence. Further, He

was the creative Power that organized this marvelous universe

in thought and spoke it into existence by command.

"By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,

and all their host by the breath of his mouth."

"For he spoke, and it came to be;

he commanded, and it stood forth."

Ps. 33:6, 9, RSV.

What do we learn about Jesus when we look at His crea-

tion? Rom. 1:20.

We learn much about people by the things they do. Charac-

teristics of the designer, maker, or creator are expressed by his

or her handiwork. So with Jesus and His handiwork.

Though marred by the deterioration caused by sin, the world

still reflects an awesome order, an enthralling beauty, a remark-

able interdependency. Only a Creator who is orderly, not ca-

pricious; artistic, not offensive; loving, not self-seeking, could

have made a world such as our own. Whenever we see, hear, or

feel harmony, order, beauty, goodness, and purpose, we can

safely say, "Jesus is like that, and more."

THINK IT THROUGH

We are counseled to "be imitators of God" (Eph. 5:1, RSV).

How can I better reflect harmony, order, predictability, beauty,

goodness, and sense of purpose in my life?

"Like our Saviour, we are in this world to do service for God.

We are here to become like God in character, and by a life of

service to reveal Him to the world. In order to be co-workers with

God, in order to become like Him and to reveal His character, we

must know Him aright. We must know Him as He reveals

Himself."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 409.

More often than not we think of God's creation in terms of

stars, planets, trees, flowers, animals, etc. But men and women

are also God's handiwork, His highest form of earthly creation.

Therefore, we can learn much about God by studying man

together with the Bible; thus we perceive characteristics about

God that we could never discover by analyzing a tree or a bird.

FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 409-415.

God With Us

LESSON 1



❑

Wednesday

March 30

Part 4

JESUS, LIFE

AND LIGHT

What connection exists between our Lord's eternal nature

and our dependent, helpless nature?

"In him was life; and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4).

Life is completely dependent upon light. Without light there

could not have been life on this planet, or anywhere else in the

universe, as far as we know. The first day of Creation Week

brought light to this earth, making possible the creation of plant

and animal life (Gen. 1:3-5).

Light is a visible form of energy as any lover of houseplants

soon discovers; no farmer or orchardist could grow his grain or

trees without ample light. Light converts inorganic elements

and compounds into food which is necessary for life as we know

it.

Light is

powerful.

Think of the laser beam that can hit at a

precise spot on the moon and return in two and one half sec-

onds, or make clean cuts through hard materials in fractions of

a second.

Jesus said of Himself, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).

He did not choose this symbolism without design. Whatever

power and life-sustaining characteristics we discover about

physical light are merely a fingertip understanding of our

Creator who is eternal energy, eternal light, eternal life.

Wherever Jesus is, whether present through His personal

representative, the Holy Spirit, or through His Written Word,

there is life and power. Spiritual darkness, that strange element

in the universe that either obscures or falsifies truth, always

leads to confusion and death.

Does every person have an opportunity to see through the

moral darkness of sin and the mental darkness of spiritual

ignorance? John 1:9.

"As through Christ every human being has life, so also

through Him every soul receives some ray of divine light. Not

only intellectual but spiritual power, a perception of right, a

desire for goodness, exists in every

heart."—Education,

p. 29.



THINK IT THROUGH



Does my life-style give evidence that I have been exposed

to great light?



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 463-465.

God With Us

LESSON 1

❑

Thursday

March 31



Part 5



How did Paul describe the continuing creative power of

JESUS, THE Jesus?

SUSTAINER



OF LIFE



"All things were created through him and for him. He is

before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Col.

1:16, 17).

Paul adds his witness to John's—Jesus of Nazareth is not only

the Creator of the universe but also its continuing Sustainer.

The words "hold together" emphasize the continuing mainte-

nance of our Lord's creative power as He keeps both the amaz-

ing particles within the atom and the awesome stellar bodies in

their pinpoint precision orbits.



THINK IT THROUGH



What does the continuing, sustaining power of the Creator

mean to me?

God is not an absentee landlord. He is very involved in every-

day events. We don't have to wonder if the sun will appear

tomorrow, if the birds will return in the spring, if water will boil at

100° Celsius, if the laws of aerodynamics will operate today as

they did yesterday. There is no end to the list of remarkable

events in the world about us that must function precisely as we

have observed them in the past if life on this planet is to be

sustained. This universe is so reliable that we take it for granted.

But without the holding power of our Lord, it could all blow up in

a spectacular explosion.

Furthermore, even the results of sin are predictable. Satan

and his followers cannot escape the consequences of their

cruel and selfish choices. Whether obeying or violating the laws

of the universe, the results are predictable. "Do not be de-

ceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will

also reap" (Gal. 6:7, RSV).

There is something profoundly comforting about the fact that

a Father's heart is at the center of the universe, that a loving

Saviour sustains its operation. Nothing can catch Them by

surprise. Nothing is too hard for Them. They can order for each

of us that which seems best for our present welfare and for the

world to come.

"The hand that sustains the worlds in space, the hand that

holds in their orderly arrangement and tireless activity all things

throughout the universe of God, is the hand that was nailed to

the cross for

us."—Education,

p. 132.

FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 416, 417.

God With Us

LESSON 1

❑

Friday

April 1

Part 6

JESUS, THE

GLORY OF GOD

"We have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the

Father" (John 1:14, RSV).

The glory of God is His character, the outward manifestation

of His inward attributes. One of the chief reasons for God to

incarnate Himself as Jesus was to reveal to this sin-darkened

world what God is like. He came to make God known, to reveal

His glory to earthbound men and women.

When we look at Jesus, studying His words, observing His

actions, we are getting a picture of the glory of God. Although

there are many wonderful aspects of our Lord's character,

perhaps the all-inclusive description is "that the glory shining in

the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 20.

Although the humanity of Jesus of Nazareth veiled the un-

speakable glory of God, yet He revealed what God thinks and

how He feels about men and women on planet Earth. Whenever

we are in doubt about what God thinks of us, we should recall

how Jesus dealt with men and women in His day. Just as the

starry heavens reveal the glory of God's power and order (Ps.

19:1) so Jesus reveals the glory of God's paternal love, sym-

pathy, and grace, especially toward sinners.



THINK IT THROUGH



As a child of God, do I reveal the glory, the characteristics,

of my heavenly Father?

The light in the parable of the ten bridesmaids (Matthew 25)

symbolized the glory of God's character revealed through His

people. This will make possible the last demonstration of truth

before probation closes. "By implanting in their hearts the prin-

ciples of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes

of God. The light of His glory—His character—is to shine forth in

His followers."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 414.

The gospel that stirred the world 2000 years ago was "the

knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ"

(2 Cor. 4:6). It produced men and women who "in mind and

character ... had become like their Master."—Education, p. 95.

Just such a demonstration will be seen the world over before

Jesus returns. It will be seen through men and women who are

described as those who "keep the commandments of God, and

the faith of Jesus" (Rev. 14:12).



FURTHER STUDY



Education,

pp. 73, 74.

LESSON 2 April 3 - 9

"And they shall call his name

Emmanuel, which being interpreted

is, God with us" (Matt. 1:23).

Last week we emphasized that

God

had become man. Our focus was on

our Lord's divine nature—that Jesus

was truly God. This week our focus is

on our Lord's human nature—that He

was truly man.

Paul sets forth our Lord's two

natures in that awesome second

chapter of his Philippian letter: "Let

our attitude to life be that of Christ

esus himself. For he, who had always

been God by nature, did not cling to

his privileges as God's equal, but

stripped himself of every advantage by

consenting to be a slave by nature and

being born a man. And, plainly seen as

a human being, he humbled himself

by living a life of utter obedience, to

the point of death, and the death he

died was the death of a common

criminal" (Phil. 2:5-8, Phillips).

Why? The answer to that question

uncovers the great issues in the

cosmic controversy between God and

Satan. He came to prove Satan

wrong—God was not asking too much

of men and women, when He asked

for their obedience; He proved also

that God does not ask more

from

men

and women than He will do

for

them.

"Christ in the weakness of humanity

was to meet the temptations of one

possessing theciowers of the higher

nature that God had bestowed on the

angelic family. But Christ's humanity

was united with divinity, and in this

strength He would bear all the

temptations that Satan could bring

against Him, and yet keep His soul

untainted by sin. And this power to

overcome He would give to every son

and daughter of Adam who would

accept by faith the righteous attributes

of His character.

"God loved the world so dearly that

He gave His only-begotten Son that

whosoever would accept him might

have power to live his righteous life.

Christ proved that it is possible for

man to lay hold by faith on the power

of God."—Selected

Messages, bk.

p. 223.

Without Jesus, no New Testament

could have been written, no great

promises to sin-weary men and

women would cheer them to

victory—promises such as these:

"Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he

shall save his people from their sins"

(Matt. 1:21); "Now unto him that is

able to keep you from falling" (Jude

24); "But now being made free from

sin, and become servants to God, ye

have your fruit unto holiness, and the

end everlasting life" (Rom. 6:22).

The great mystery of the incarnation

is that the eternal God became

man's contemporary—the carpenter

of Galilee!

God became man! His earthly

contemporaries knew Him as a man

who was totally involved in their

common humanity, not as a "reverse

astronaut" who came to this world

from "out of the blue" merelyto tell us

that God was alive and well, that He

was Creator and Judge, and that He

loved us very much.

We can send men to the moon, but

they are still "earthmen"; they live

within space suits that keep them

untouched by the real conditions

existing where they land. They live and

eat, perform normal acts common to

created beings, but yet they are

insulated and exempt from much of

the moon environment.

Jesus was no "astronaut." As an

early follower described Him, He "was

made flesh, and dwelt among us"

(John 1:14).

Because He became truly man, we

have a High Priest who is able "to

sympathize with our weaknesses....

Let us then with confidence draw near

to the throne of grace, that we may

receive mercy andfind grace to help in

time of need" (Heb. 4:15, 16, RSV).

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

The Word Became Flesh

(John 1:14)

Partook of the Same Nature

(Heb. 2:14-17)

Tempted as We Are

(Heb. 4:15)

Example of Obedience

(Heb. 5:7, 8)

Complete Dependency on

Heavenly Father

(John 5:19, 30)

The Controversy Settled

(Heb. 6:19, 20)

God With Us

LESSON 2



❑

Sunday

April 3

Part 1

THE WORD

BECAME FLESH

THINK IT THROUGH

What is John's description of the magnificent open mystery

of the incarnation?

"The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14).

Jesus, the eternal Word, became man. This thought staggers

anyone who even dimly understands what it means. Why should

God do that? What kind of man did He become? Did He only

appear to be a man? Did He have power over sin that is not

available to all other men as they contend with sin? What differ-

ence has His coming meant to the human race?

To some extent these questions will be answered in this

week's lesson as well as in the lessons to follow. To understand

these questions is the greatest subject to which a person can

devote his mind. "The humanity of the Son of God is everything

to us. . . . This is to be our study. Christ was a real man."—

Selected Messages,

bk. 1, p. 244.

What is Paul's description of the humanity of Jesus? Rom.

1:3.

"Christ did not make believe take human nature; He did verily

take it. He did in reality possess human nature.... He was the

son of Mary; He was of the seed of David according to human

descent. He is declared to be a man, even the Man Christ

Jesus."—Selected

Messages,

bk. 1, p. 247.

What difference would it have made to me if Jesus had not

become man, fully and truly? Do you think that it would have

altered the idea that God is mankind's friend and comforter?

God did not come halfway to earth in His attempt to redeem

men and women; He did not come as a sympathetic angel, or

even as a superman, impregnable to all of humanity's troubles

and weaknesses. The ladder from heaven to earth reached all

the way down to where sinners are. "If that ladder had failed by a

single step of reaching the earth, we should have been lost. But

Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature and over-

came, that we through taking His nature might overcome."—

The Desire of Ages,

pp. 311, 312.

Since Jesus came to dwell with us, we know that God is

acquainted with our trials, and sympathizes with our griefs.

Every son and daughter of Adam may understand that our

Creator is the friend of sinners.

FURTHER STUDY



Selected Messages,

bk. 1, pp. 246-251.

God With Us

LESSON 2



❑

Monday

April 4



Part 2



How much like man did Paul say Jesus became?

PARTOOK OF



THE SAME



"Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he

NATURE himself likewise partook of the same nature.... For surely It is

not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants

of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in

every respect" (Heb. 2:14-17, RSV).

Jesus entered the human family, taking the same nature as all

other "descendants of Abraham."

"Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened

by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He

accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity.

What these results ware is shown in the history of His earthly

ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows

and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless

life."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 49.

In order to come close to sinful men and women, Jesus per-

mitted Himself to enter the human family. In order to be man's

example He lived a sinless life though beset by the same tempta-

tions other human beings face. "If we have in any sense a more

trying conflict than had Christ, then He would not be able to

succor us. But our Saviour took humanity, with all its

liabilities."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 117.

THINK IT THROUGH

Do I make excuses for my sins, mistakes, or shortcomings

by appealing to my heredity or the unfavorable conditions that

I grew up with? In what danger do I place myself if I relax,

believing that no one could keep the commandments except

Jesus, the Son of God?

"If Christ had a special power which it is not the privilege of

man to have, Satan would have made capital of this matter. The

work of Christ was to take from the claims of Satan his control of

man, and He could do this only in the way that He came—a man,

tempted as a man, rendering the obedience of a man."—Ellen

G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary, vol.

7, p. 930.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

p. 117.

God With Us

LESSON 2



❑

Tuesday

April 5

Part 3



What special qualification made Jesus a perfect and trusted

TEMPTED AS high priest on man's behalf?

WE ARE

THINK IT THROUGH

"For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize

with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been

tempted as we are, yet without sinning" (Heb. 4:15, RSV).

Jesus became a real man when He entered the human race

2000 years ago. He was given no divine insulation that would

exempt Him from temptation.

This is a crucial point: Biblical writers and Ellen White have

made it very clear that Jesus faced those temptations common

to man. He did not playact, only appearing to be tempted.

There has been confusion within the Christian church over

the centuries regarding the person and work of Jesus. Ellen

White forthrightly endorsed the idea of our Lord's full humanity.

In early 1890, when some church members were troubled by the

mind-stretching, heart-melting thought that Jesus really did live

victoriously in spite of temptation as a human being, Ellen White

wrote: "Letters have been coming in to me, affirming that Christ

could not have had the same nature as man, for if He had, He

would have fallen under similar temptations. If He did not have

man's nature, He could not be our example. If He was not a

partaker of our nature, He could not have been tempted as man

has been. If it were not possible for Him to yield to temptation,

He could not be our helper. It was a solemn reality that Christ

came to fight the battles as man, in man's behalf. His temptation

and victory tell us that humanity must copy the Pattern; man

must become a partaker of the divine

nature."—Selected Mes-

sages,

bk. 1, p. 408.

What kind of confidence would I have in Jesus If He com-

manded me to resist temptation without showing me first that

overcoming was possible?

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

p. 24.

God With Us

LESSON 2



❑

Wednesday

April 6

Part 4



How real were our Lord's temptations? Did He, as man, have

EXAMPLE OF anything to learn?

OBEDIENCE

"In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and

supplications, with loud cries and tears.... Although he was a

Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered" (Heb.

5:7, 8, RSV).

Jesus developed His character through grace, resisting temp-

tation and obeying the law of God. A new breath of hope and

reality sweeps into a person's soul when he grasps for the first

time the realization that Jesus "knows by experience what are

the weaknesses of humanity."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 329. He

knows this because He "took upon himself fallen, suffering

human nature, degraded and defiled by sin."—Ellen G. White,

The Youth's Instructor,

Dec. 20, 1900.

When God asks men and women to obey Hini and to live

above sinning, He is not asking the impossible or merely tan-

talizing them. Jesus proved what a man or a woman can do.

Jesus not only gave mankind "an example of obedience"; He

also settled the question once and for all that "it is possible for

us also to obey the law of God."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 24.

THINK IT THROUGH

Must a person withdraw from normal human relationships

and generally accepted responsibilities in order to become

safe from temptation and more like Jesus?

The real Jesus was a real Man,

except He did not sin.

He was

hungry, weary, and pressed by friends and foes, as are all men

and women. He knew the routine of work. He knew the pressure

of business in order to provide for His mother. He knew what

slivers and bruised knuckles were.

He was no weakling. Both men and women were drawn to

Him. He enjoyed the fellowship of Martha and Mary as much as

He did that of Lazarus. Rough fishermen, calloused soldiers,

and grateful women were counted among His followers. He

could be firm as well as gentle.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 310-314.

God With Us

LESSON 2



❑

Thursday

April 7



Part 5



How did Jesus describe His need as a human being for

COMPLETE constant strength and grace from God above?

DEPENDENCY



ON HEAVENLY



"The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the

FATHER Father do."

"I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my

judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will

of the Father which hath sent me" (John 5:19, 30).

When Jesus became flesh, He divested Himself of the powers

of deity and became absolutely dependent upon the Father and

the Holy Spirit. The Father promised to assist Jesus in every

human situation where grace was needed. What an awesome

thought! Truly Jesus was "a gift" whose value we dimly com-

prehend. (See John 3:16 and Phil. 2:6, 7.)

Although Jesus could have retained the same nature He had

possessed throughout eternity, He "became" dependent on

God as all other human beings are.

One of the reasons why God became man was to give men

and women a picture of what it means to be truly human. By His

life on earth He has shown us what the shadow of sin had

covered; He pulled back the curtain and showed us the way God

had meant for men and women to live. To be truly human is to be

completely dependent upon God for truth, and for the strength

to do the truth. Such a gloriously free yet dependent person was

our Lord Jesus Christ.

THINK IT THROUGH

Does the thought of complete and eternal subordination by

one Member of the Godhead to another Member cause an

unspeakable response of gratitude to well up in my heart?

What does this towering act of love suggest to me regarding

my relationship to God?

"The Son of God was surrendered to the Father's will, and

dependent upon His power. So utterly was Christ emptied of self

that He made no plans for Himself. He accepted God's plans for

Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should

we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outwork-

ing of His will."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 208.

FURTHER STUDY



Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

"The Beatitudes"

(Matthew 5:5), pp. 14, 15.

God With Us

LESSON 2



❑

Friday

April 8



Part 6



"We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a



THE



hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain,

CONTROVERSY where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having

SETTLED become a high priest for ever" (Heb. 6:19, 20, RSV).

In becoming mankind's High Priest, how did Jesus settle the

crucial questions in the great controversy between good and

evil? God became man in order to silence forever Satan's

charge that He has been unfair with rebels, whether they were

fallen angels or sinners on earth. "Christ came to the earth ... to

vindicate the character of God before the universe."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 68.

Several aspects of Satan's charge and lies were exposed by

the life of Jesus. "In the opening of the great controversy, Satan

had declared that the law of God could not be obeyed, that

justice was inconsistent with mercy, and that, should the law be

broken, it would be impossible for the sinner to be pardoned....

"By His life and His death, Christ proved that God's justice did

not destroy His mercy, but that sin could be forgiven, and that

the law is righteous, and can be perfectly obeyed."—The

Desire

of Ages,

pp. 761, 762.

If God had come to earth and only appeared to be a man, His

performance would not have answered Satan's charges; the

issue was not what God could do. The issue was whether man

could keep the law and resist sin. Jesus met Satan head on to

prove that men and women, beset with all the liabilities "of the

working of the great law of heredity"

(The Desire of Ages,

p. 49),

can keep the law of God through grace.

"Christ's humanity would demonstrate for eternal ages the

question which settled the controversy."—Selected

Messages,

bk. 1, pp. 255, 256.



THINK IT THROUGH



Am I permitting the grace of God to do for me what it once

did for Jesus of Nazareth?

"Christ's overcoming and obedience is that of a true human

being. In our conclusions, we make many mistakes because of

our erroneous views of the human nature of our Lord. When we

give to His human nature a power that it is not possible for man

to have in his conflicts with Satan, we destroy the completeness

of His humanity."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Com-

mentary, vol.

7, p. 929.



FURTHER STUDY



Patriarchs and Prophets,

pp. 68-70.

LESSON 3 April 10 - 16

oriel Child and

Youth

"My son, forget not my law; but let

thine heart keep my commandments;

for length of days, and long life, and

peace, shall they add to thee. Let not

mercy and truth forsake thee: bind

them about thy neck; write them upon

the table of thine heart: so shalt thou

find favour and good understanding in

the sight of God and man" (Prov.

3:1-4).

"The Father and the Son in

consultation decided that Christ must

come to the world as a babe, and live

the life that human beings must live

from childhood to manhood, bearing

the trials that they must bear, and at

the same time living a sinless life, that

men might see in Him an example of

what they can become, and that He

might know by experience how to

help them in their strugles with

sin."—Ellen G. White,

Signs of the

Times,

May 17, 1905.

Often we think of Jesus Christ as

mature and experienced. We picture

Him with a beard and with all the

marks of full manhood. Certainly He

was all this when He began His public

ministry at the age of 30.

But He did not suddenly become

mature. Nor was His ability to inspire

rugged fishermen and sophisticated

scholars a miraculous development.

Our Lord's three wonderful

years—three years of teaching and

healing as no man ever

ministered—were not the result of

Heaven's special favor beyond what

God was willing to do for others.

Rather they were the fruitage and

As a child, a student, and a young

man, Jesus demonstrated the im-

pact of a life of compassion and

commitment.

continuation of obedience and loyalty

to God's way of life as a child and a

teen-ager. His development through

those difficult years was not a token

attempt to identify with humanity—He

faced youth's problems, every one of

them, as young people of His day

faced them.

There is hope and courage for every

young person when he understands

this stark fact: Jesus faced the kind of

problems they face and yet showed

that the better way, the way to true

personality fulfillment, is in happy

obedience to the will of God.

Truly Jesus is a teen-ager's best

Friend. "He knows by experience

what are the weaknesses of humanity,

what are our wants, and where lies the

strength of our temptations; for He

was 'in all points tempted like as we

are, yet without sin.'

"—The Ministry

of Healing,

p. 71.

This understanding of Jesus as the

model youth should caution parents

and teachers who shrug their

shoulders at the carelessness and

impulsiveness of their teen-agers. Too

often parents and teachers enjoy the

false hope that after "fool's hill" there

will be time for a youth to straighten

his life out.

As long as there is life there is hope,

of course. But there is an enormous

difference between being a brand

plucked from the burning and a

maturing person who has allowed

God to groom him or her for a lifetime

of service that reflects His attributes.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

The Laws of Childhood

(Luke 2:40, 52)

Increased in Wisdom

(Luke 2:52)

Increased in Sense of Life Mission

(Luke 2:49, 50)

Obedient Son

(Luke 2:51)

Increased in Favor With Men

(Luke 2:52)

Years of Preparation

(Matt. 3:17)

Model Child and Youth

LESSON 3



❑

Sunday

April 10



Part 1



What indication do we have that Jesus developed accord-

THE LAWS OF Ing to the normal laws of growth and development?

CHILDHOOD

"And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;

and the favor of God was upon him."

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor

with God and man" (Luke 2:40, 52, RSV).

Because Jesus "was made flesh" (John 1:14) and was "made

like his brethren in every respect" (Heb. 2:17, RSV), He was

subject to the limitations and susceptibilities of a child and a

teen-ager. Even though we most often think of Jesus as a per-

fect Man, we must also remember that He developed from in-

fancy, "in keeping with the laws of childhood."—The

Desire of

Ages,

p. 68.

Did our Lord's sinless life exempt Him from the trials of a

growing boy?

God did not "rig" the "great controversy" by sheltering Jesus

from the temptations that would come to a growing boy or girl.

Although "no trace of sin marred the image of God within Him"

yet "He was subject to all the conflicts which we have to meet,

that He might be an example to us in childhood, youth, and

manhood."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 71.

"Christ was a child; he had the experience of a child; he felt

the disappointments and trials that children feel; he knew the

temptations of children and youth."—Ellen G. White,

Signs of

the Times,

June 23, 1881.

"Let children bear in mind that the child Jesus had taken

upon himself human nature, and was in the likeness of sinful

flesh, and was tempted of Satan as all children are

tempted."—Ellen G. White,

Youth's Instructor,

Aug. 23, 1894.



THINK IT THROUGH



Should any person say that his or her experience is unique

and therefore his or her failings should be excused?

In writing to a nephew in early manhood, Ellen White coun-

seled: "You have not a difficulty that did not press with equal

weight upon Him, not a sorrow that His heart has not experi-

enced. .. .

"... Jesus once stood in age just where you now stand. Your

circumstances, your cogitations at this period of your life, Jesus

has had. He cannot overlook you at this critical period. He sees

your dangers. He is acquainted with your temptations. He in-

vites you to follow His example."—Ellen White, letter dated

March 14, 1878; quoted in

Review and Herald,

May 8, 1975.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of

Ages, pp. 68-74.

Model Child and Youth

LESSON 3



❑

Monday

April 11

Part 2

INCREASED

IN WISDOM

"Jesus increased in wisdom" (Luke 2:52).

How do we know that Jesus was not supernaturally en-

dowed with wisdom, insight, and all knowledge?

Wisdom is more than knowledge; wisdom is mental excel-

lence in its highest form whereby knowledge is properly under-

stood and applied. Before He became man, Jesus was omni-

scient (that is, all-knowing); when He became man He "did not

cling to his privileges as God's equal, but stripped himself of

every advantage" (Phil. 2:6, 7, Phillips).

The wonderful manifestation of wisdom reflected in the

words and acts of Jesus was the result of utilizing the

capabilities available to all children. Very sobering is the

thought that "every child may gain knowlege as Jesus did."—

The Desire of Ages,

p. 70.

How did He do it? What were His habits? Mary and Joseph

were His first teachers, and they followed the Lord's direction

"that even from babyhood the children should be taught of His

goodness and His greatness, especially as revealed in His law,

and shown in the history of Israel. Song and prayer and lessons

from the Scriptures were to be adapted to the opening mind.

Fathers and mothers were to instruct their children that the law

of God is an expression of His character, and that as they

received the principles of the law into the heart, the image of

God was traced on mind and soul."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 69.

What incident suggests that Jesus was well educated?

John 7:15.

The scholars were astounded at our Lord's breadth of knowl-

edge, especially when they knew He had not attended their

schools. His mental development however was in contrast to

what was generally regarded as superior education. He did not

study the opinions of men; He sought the truth made known

through revelation and the Spirit speaking to His own heart.

Instead of a cramped, narrow, worldly-wise spirit, Jesus could

think creatively and see truth in its beauty and harmony.



THINK IT THROUGH



If I want to reflect the development of Jesus, what shall I

study?



FURTHER STUDY



Child Guidance,

pp. 26-28.

3-ASSL 2-77

Model Child and Youth

LESSON 3



❑

Tuesday

April 12



Part 3



What new phase of our Lord's development was marked by

INCREASED IN His visit to the temple when He was 12 years of age?

SENSE OF



LIFE MISSION



"How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about

my Father's business? And they understood not the saying

which he spake unto them" (Luke 2:49, 50).

This was the first time Jesus saw the temple in Jerusalem, the

bleeding sacrificial animals, the cloud of incense, and all the

other solemn and impressive rites of the Passover service. "Day

by day He saw their meaning more clearly. Every act seemed to

be bound up with His own life. New impulses were awakening

within Him. Silent and absorbed, He seemed to be studying out

a great problem. The mystery of His mission was opening to the

Saviour."

—The Desire of Ages,

p. 78.

Our Lord's reply to His parents "showed for the first time that

He understood His relation to God."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 81.

Since Jesus gained knowledge as does every human being,

how did He make it possible for God to reveal more fully His

Messianic role?

"As He walked among men, He was guided, step by step, by

the Father's will. He did not hesitate to act at the appointed time.

With the same submission He waited until the time had

come."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 147.

As man, He was as dependent upon the normal laws of acquir-

ing information as all other men. Furthermore, as man He was

as dependent upon God for special insight and strength to fulfill

God's plan for Him as every man or woman of faith must be.

"The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the

Father do" (John 5:19)—this is the open secret of victorious

Christian living.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can I know my role in life as surely as Jesus knew His?

"As the human was upon Him, He felt His need of strength

from His Father. . . . In this exercise [prayer] His holy, human

soul was strengthened for the duties and trials of the day. Our

Saviour identifies Himself with our needs and weaknesses, in

that He became a suppliant, a nightly petitioner, seeking from

His Father fresh supplies of strength, to come forth invigorated

and refreshed, braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all

things."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, pp. 201, 202.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 81-83.

Model Child and Youth

LESSON 3



❑

Wednesday

April 13



Part 4



What kind of example did Jesus leave all sons and

OBEDIENT daughters?

SON

"And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and

was obedient to them" (Luke 2:51, RSV).

Even though Jesus was recognized by experts as wise beyond

His years, He did not assume self-importance or premature

independence. He did not ignore His responsibilities to His

earthly parents. He learned well the lessons Joseph taught Him

in the carpenter's shop; for 18 years He pondered the mystery of

His mission while He contributed to the financial security of His

family. In so doing He left an example to all sons and daughters

that they should share home expenses as long as they live under

their parents' roof.

Apparently sometime after the Jerusalem visit Joseph died,

adding further responsibilities to Jesus. Besides the burden of

making a living, Jesus filled out His days and nights studying

and meditating. His deep perception of the law of God and its

application to every facet of the daily life set Him apart from His

brothers and sisters as well as from His contemporaries.

Because He placed a high premium on time, natural ability,

and opportunities, He brought forth resentment in those who

wanted an easier program. The misunderstandings were em-

phasized when the rabbis joined with relatives in urging Mary to

control Jesus with a firmer hand. Her troubled heart would be

reassured when He quietly presented Scripture to uphold His

practices.

What tender indication of a son's devotion was expressed in

Jesus' concern for His mother when He was dying on the

cross? John 19:26, 27.

Many sons and daughters forget their parents even when all is

well with them. They have spare rooms, extra cash, health, and

ability to make the last few years of their parents easier to bear.

Yet, a commercial greeting card on a birthday and possibly a

rare phone call is the measure of gratitude that many today can

offer weary, lonely parents.



THINK IT THROUGH



If Jesus is my model, how closely am I following Him in

•

caring for my parents?



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 84-88.

Model Child and Youth

LESSON 3



❑

Thursday

April 14



Parl 5



How does Luke describe the effect of Jesus' life on His

INCREASED fellow men?

IN FAVOR



WITH MEN



"Jesus Increased ... In favour with God and man" (Luke

2:52).

As a youth, Jesus so lived that no one could find fault with His

high standard of living; He was a credit to His family and

neighborhood. For this He was approved.

"Through all those secluded years at Nazareth, His life flowed

out in currents of sympathy and tenderness. The aged, the

sorrowing, and the sin-burdened, the children at play in their

innocent joy, the little creatures of the groves, the patient beasts

of burden,—all were happier for His presence....

" ... He drew the sympathy of all hearts by showing Himself

capable of sympathizing with all. The atmosphere of hope and

courage that surrounded Him made Him a blessing in every

home."

—The Desire of Ages,

p. 74.

Nonbelievers react in different ways when men and women of

faith become known for their standard of right living. The be-

lievers are commended if they keep to themselves and fail to

evangelize actively. Or the believers are openly resented by

those whose consciences are condemned.

Yet godly living from the time of Abel has always been re-

sented by uncommitted people even though they can find no

fault with the believer's life habits. The life of faith annoys the

commandment breaker.

Because He was not exclusive, and because He labored ear-

nestly for the well-being of all humanity regardless of one's

religious connections, He aroused the enmity of the Pharisees:

"He inculcated the principle that Bible religion does not consist

in the mortification of the body.... At all times and in all places

he manifested a loving interest in men, and shed about Him the

light of a cheerful piety. All this was a rebuke to the

Pharisees."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 86.



THINK IT THROUGH



What is the danger of all men thinking well of me?

Jesus was approved in one sense and greatly resented in

another. Jealousy, envy, and the competitive spirit are often

aroused by the life of faith. "Because the life of Jesus con-

demned evil, He was opposed, both at home and abroad. His

unselfishness and integrity were commented on with a sneer.

His forbearance and kindness were termed cowardice."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 88.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 89-92.

Model Child and Youth

LESSON 3



Friday

April 15

Part 6

YEARS OF

PREPARATION

How did the Father express His approval of Jesus' 30 years

of human development?

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased"

(Matt. 3:17, RSV).

The Bible is silent in regard to those 18 years between the

Passover visit and Jesus' baptism by John. But we would be

making a tragic mistake if we overlooked them. During these

teen-age and young manhood years, Jesus was getting basic

training for His public ministry. There would be no Jesus, as the

Gospel writers knew Him, without the towering record of sin-

lessness and character development during these difficult

years.

Those 30 years prepared Jesus for the life record we know so

well—no one can be a leader overnight whatever His calling. For

this reason, the home education and general schooling

throughout a person's "silent years" is important beyond

words. "Jesus is our example. There are many who dwell with

interest upon the period of His public ministry, while they pass

unnoticed the teaching of His early years. But it is in His home

life that He is the pattern for all children and youth.... He was

doing God's service just as much when laboring at the carpen-

ter's bench as when working miracles for the multitude. And

every youth who follows Christ's example of faithfulness and

obedience in His lowly home may claim those words spoken of

Him by the Father through the Holy Spirit, 'Behold My Servant,

whom I uphold; Mine Elect, in whom My soul delighteth.' Isa.

42:1."

—The Desire of Ages,

p. 74.

What awesome trust is placed on fathers and mothers! Con-

sider the importance of parental instruction in the development

of Jesus.

"It is in the early years that we have the best opportunity for

sowing good seed in their [children's] hearts. If we neglect to do

this work in their childhood, we shall find that Satan will preoc-

cupy the field. Why not preoccupy the field yourself, and before

the Evil one has a chance to plant his seeds of evil, fill the mind

with that which is good and pure?"—Ellen G. White,

Signs of

the Times,

May 20, 1889.



THINK IT THROUGH



What part of life is the prime time for character develop-

ment?



FURTHER STUDY



The Adventist Home,

pp. 187-189.

LESSON 4 April 17 - 23

Model Overcome

"Now is my soul troubled; and what

shall I say? Father, save me from this

hour: but for this cause came I unto

this hour" (John 12:27).

One of the primary results of the

incarnation is that Jesus proved that

men and women in their fallen

condition, in connection with the

same divine power that kept Him from

falling, can obey the law of God,

thwart every satanic temptation, and

truly glorify their heavenly Father's

"name." On this fact rests the plan of

salvation; for, without our Lord's

performance, Satan would have won

his argument regarding the unfairness

of God in requiring created beings to

keep an impossible law.

Jesus opened the door of hope for

all men and women. "Those who claim

that it was not possible for Christ to

sin, cannot believe that He really took

upon Himself human nature. But was

not Christ actually tempted, not only

by Satan in the wilderness, but all

through His life, from childhood to

manhood? In all points He was

tempted as we are, and because He

successfully resisted temptation

under every form, He gave man the

perfect example, and through the

ample provision Christ has made, we

may become partakers of the divine

nature, having escaped the corruption

which is in the world through lust.

"Jesus says, 'To him that

overcometh will I grant to sit with me

in my throne, even as I also overcame,

and am set down with my Father in his

throne.' Here is the beginning of our

confidence which we must hold

steadfast unto the end. If Jesus

resisted Satan's temptations, He will

help us to resist. He came to bring

divine power to combine with human

effort."--Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7,

p. 929.

When we remember Him as our

heavenly Mediator, we have the daily

assurance that "through all our trials

we have a never-failing Helper. He

does not leave us alone to struggle

with temptation, to battle with evil,

and be finally crushed with burdens

and sorrow. Though now He is hidden

from mortal sight, the ear of faith can

hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am

with you. 'I am He that liveth, and was

dead; and behold, I am alive

forevermore.' Rev. 1:18. I have

endured your sorrows, experienced

your struggles, encountered your

temptations. I know your tears; I also

have wept. The griefs that lie too deep

to be breathed into any human ear, I

know. Think not that you are desolate

and forsaken. Though

your

pain touch

no responsive chord in any heart on

earth, look unto Me, and live."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 483.

"He did not consent to sin. Not even

by a thought did He yield to

temptation. So it may be with us.

Christ's humanity was united with

divinity; He was fitted for the conflict

by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

And He came to make us partakers of

the divine nature. So long as we are

united to Him by faith, sin has no more

dominion over us. God reaches for the

hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast

hold upon the divinity of Christ, that

we may attain to perfection of

character."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 123.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Sinless, Though Tempted

(John 14:30)

Indulgence of Appetite

(Matt. 4:3)

Presumptuous Venturing

(Matt. 4:5, 6)

Ambition and Pleasures

(Luke 4:5, 6)

Spiritual Weapons

(Luke 4:4)

Tempted as We Are

(Heb. 4:15)

Throughout His life Jesus displayed

to us the source of power for

overcoming—a continual open line

of communicaion with the Father.

Model Overcomer

LESSON 4



❑

Sunday

April 17



Part 1



What is the marvelous fact regarding our Lord's response to

SINLESS temptation?

THOUGH TEMPTED

"The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me"

(John 14:30).

We need never tire repeating the good news: Jesus was met

by Satan with his worst temptations, but He never gave in. Jesus

never sinned.

We hasten to add, however, that Jesus was indeed tempted.

He experienced the reality of temptation. "For we have not a

high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,

but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet

without sinning" (Heb. 4:15, RSV).

At what point does sin occur: with enticement or consent?

James 1:14, 15.

God has placed natural and legitimate desires within man,

such as the desire for food, for physical comfort, self-

preservation, for parenthood, and for social acceptance. Sin

occurs when a person chooses to satisfy these natural drives

outside of and contrary to the will of God. "No man can be

forced to transgress. His own consent must be first gained; the

soul,must purpose the sinful act before passion can dominate

over reason or iniquity triumph over conscience. Temptation,

however strong, is never an excuse for sin.. . . The Lord . . .

knows how strong are the inclinations of the natural heart, and

He will help in every time of temptation."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p.

177.

"Satan showed his knowledge of the weak points of the

human heart, and put forth his utmost power to take advantage

of the weakness of the humanity which Christ had assumed in

order to overcome his temptations on man's account."—Ellen

G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary, vol.

7, p. 930.

Jesus, as truly man, knew from experience how subtle the

appeal is to satisfy legitimate desires by means that appear

reasonable to the human mind, yet contrary to the will of God.

"Though He had all the strength of passion of humanity, never

did He yield to temptation to do one single act which was not

pure and elevating and ennobling."—In

Heavenly Places,

155.



THINK IT THROUGH



What difference does it make to me that sin is not inevita-

ble?



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 114-116.

Model Overcomer

LESSON 4



❑

Monday

April 18

Part 2



What basic human need did Satan try to take advantage of

INDULGENCE when he tempted Christ in the wilderness?

OF APPETITE

THINK IT THROUGH

"If you are the Son of God, command these stones to be-

come loaves of bread" (Matt. 4:3, RSV).

There surely is nothing evil about desiring food, physical

comfort, and whatever else contributes to self-preservation. But

these drives, based on physical needs, can be satisfied in ways

that ultimately destroy the keenness and usefulness of a per-

son's mental, physical, moral, and spiritual powers.

Eve's sin consisted of indulging her appetite in a way that

manifested distrust in God. Ever since the Fall, indulging the

appetite for physical satisfaction alone has been one of man's

basic sins and one of the chief reasons for his deteriorated

state. "Christ knew that the world was given up to gluttony and

that this indulgence would pervert the moral powers. If the

indulgence of appetite was so strong upon the race that, in

orderto break its power, the divine Son of God, in behalf of man,

was required to fast nearly six weeks, what a work is before the

Christian in order that he may overcome even as Christ over-

came! ...



In order to impress upon man his obligations to obey the

law of God, Christ began His work of redemption by reforming

the physical habits of man. The declension in virtue and the

degeneracy of the race are chiefly attributable to the indulgence

of perverted

appetite."—Testimonies,

vol. 3, p. 486.

In what ways do I concede to the indulgences of physical

appetite and comfort? What does victory over appetite In-

clude?

We cannot answer these questions for someone else. We

alone know when we pamper our physical desires to that point

where our mental and moral efficiencies are affected.

Headaches, upset stomachs, sluggish willpower, irritated and

impatient attitudes—each may indicate a need to reconsider

our personal habits of indulging our physical desires.

Jesus could withstand the temptations of Satan because He

was master of His physical inclinations; His mind was not be-

clouded, nor was His body overworked by physical excess, from

food, or any other form of physical indulgence.

"The Spirit of God cannot come to our help, and assist us in

perfecting Christian characters, while we are indulging our

appetites to the injury of health, and while the pride of life

controls."—Counsels

on Diet and Foods, p. 57.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 122, 123.

Model Overcomer

LESSON 4



❑

Tuesday

April 19

Part 3



How did Satan meet Jesus on our Lord's own ground when

PRESUMPTUOUS he appealed to Him to prove how much He trusted God?

VENTURING

"Then the devil ...said to him, `If you are the Son of God,

throw yourself down; for it is written, "He will give his angels

charge of you." ' " (Matt. 4:5, 6, RSV).

Still appearing as an angel of light, with no observable indica-

tions that he indeed was the evil one, Satan tried to invite trust

by quoting well-known scripture. He tempted Jesus to reach

desirable ends through improper means.

For the second time Satan tempted Jesus to doubt His

identity—"If you are the Son of God." The devil followed this up

with the temptation for Jesus to jump from the highest point in

the temple area and to trust in God to preserve His life. Note how

Satan reversed reality. He tempted Him to doubt God in what

God had declared true—that Jesus was God's Son. On the other

hand, Satan tempted Him to believe God in something God had

never said—that He would protect a person who willfully risked

his life to no purpose but to accept a challenge. Jesus saw

through both parts of the temptation. He would believe what

God said, and He would not act in a way that was unsupported

by God's word.

How subtle the appeal! Not food for His hungry body nor

wealth and fame to satisfy the lust for power, but simply a way to

prove His divine appointment and great faith.

Many human beings have fallen for this temptation—we call it

spiritual pride, even vanity. But Jesus saw clearly what kind of

example He would be presenting to those who were seeking the

righteous life if He should try by dazzling feats to prove His

identity and faith.

THINK IT THROUGH



What is the clear difference between faith and presump-

tion?

"Faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has

true faith is secure against presumption. For presumption is

Satan's counterfeit of faith. Faith claims God's promises, and

brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims the

promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression.

... It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without comply-

ing with the conditions on which mercy is to be granted."—The

Desire of Ages, p. 126.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 124-126.

Model Overcomer

LESSON 4



❑

Wednesday

April 20



Part 4



What marvelously subtle temptation did Satan present that

AMBITION AND would suggest how Jesus could achieve His goal as the

PLEASURES world's Redeemer?

"And the devil ... showed him all the kingdoms of the world

in a moment of time, and said to him, `To you I will give all this

authority and their glory' " (Luke 4:5, 6, RSV).

Jesus was a poor man without equity or bank account to

subsidize His new movement. How could He ever get the confi-

dence of men and women that serving Him would be a prudent

decision? The Jews thought of the Messiah as the leader of a

temporal kingdom; they also knew that great happiness and

health would follow the reign of their Messiah. How best could

Jesus satisfy the deep wish of His countrymen and appear

credible?

What a subtle temptation! To be given the kingdoms of the

world immediately would eliminate Calvary. It was a dazzling

opportunity and an almost overpowering temptation to anyone

with the best of motives.

Christ's rejection of Satan's scheme pointed to the nature of

the kingdom He was setting up. The kingdom of God was not to

be advanced by external means; not by d azzl e or force was He to

intimidate the decision of men and women. Jesus knew that to

yield to Satan, even though in exchange Satan was giving Him

the world, would be cooperating with Satan, whose chief

weapons were intrigue, force, and violence.



THINK IT THROUGH



How does Satan present this same temptation to us today?

The allure of the shortcut to reach desirable, legitimate ends

is perhaps the most successful of all temptations to sin. But the

end does not justify the means. By using Satan's methods we

cannot reach those values and goals that God can bless. In an

age of bribery, common cheating, and ill-conceived pity for the

criminal, the person who tries to live a holy life will often find

that it will be a life much like his Saviour's—hardship, conflict,

and loneliness. "His sensitive nature was tortured, His motives

were misunderstood, His work was uncomprehended."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 326.

Any appeal that promises honor, success, or fortune without

•

struggle, routine obedience to rules, and self-denial is this third

great temptation in modern dress.

"To men he [Satan] offers the kingdom of this world on

condition that they will acknowledge his supremacy. He re-

quires that they sacrifice integrity, disregard conscience, in-

dulge selfishness."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 130.



FURTHER STUDY



Selected Messages,

bk. 1, pp. 285-289.

Model Overcomer

LESSON 4



❑

Thursday

April 21



Part 5



How did Jesus effectively thwart the most subtle tempta-

SPIRITUAL tions of Satan?

WEAPONS

"Jesus answered him, 'It is written' " Luke 4:4, RSV).

The temptations presented to Jesus were not academic de-

bates. There was nothing in the first two temptations about the

physical presence of the angel of light that indicated the pres-

ence of Satan. This was genuine temptation; if He knew by just

observation that it was Satan confronting Him, there would

have been no real temptation, any more than if Eve had known

that the beautiful serpent was the devil himself.

The physical presence, the beguiling words, the appeal to

legitimate human wants—all created genuine temptation that

men and women have wrestled with since sin darkened Eden.

The first and only line of defense against Satan's most allur-

ing temptations is the Bible. Satan wanted Christ to perform

miracles to satisfy physical hunger and to prove that He was

indeed the Messiah. But the greatest miracle of all was for a

human being to thwart Satan by simple trust in the power of the

Bible.

There is awesome power in the Bible. Jesus proved it during

those fearful days in the wilderness. " 'Man shall not live by

bread alone, but by every word of God.' Often the follower of

Christ is brought where he cannot serve God and carry forward

his worldly enterprises. Perhaps it appears that obedience to

some plain requirement of God will cut off his means of support.

Satan would make him believe that he must sacrifice his con-

scientious convictions. But the only thing in our world upon

which we can rely is the word of God ... . When we learn the

power of His word, we shall not follow the suggestions of Satan

in order to obtain food or to save our lives."—The

Desire of

Ages,

p. 121.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what ways should I be using the spiritual weapons of the

Bible more consistently?

"Temptations often appear irresistible because, through ne-

glect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one

cannot readily remember God's promises and meet Satan with the

Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are

willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great

necessity they will bring to their remembrance the very truths

which are needed."—The

Great Controversy,

p. 600.



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 593-596.

Model Overcomer

LESSON 4



❑

Friday

April 22

Part 6



Are Christ's temptations to be considered in a different

TEMPTED category from ours?

AS WE ARE

THINK IT THROUGH

"We have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with

our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been

tempted as we are, yet without sinning" (Heb. 4:15, RSV).

"Christ was tempted by Satan in a hundredfold severer man-

ner than was Adam, and under circumstances in every way more

trying. The deceiver presented himself as an angel of light, but

Christ withstood his temptations. He redeemed Adam's dis-

graceful fall, and saved the world. . .

"Christ's victory was as complete as had been Adam's failure.

So we may resist temptation, and force Satan to depart from

us."—My

Life Today,

p. 323.

We can never say it often enough—Jesus never sinned in

thought or deed. But a song of the ages will be that

Jesus never

sinned while facing and thwarting the temptations common to

fallen man.

"I present before you the great Exemplar. . . . As

really did He meet and resist the temptations of Satan as any of

the children of humanity. In this sense alone could He be a

perfect example for man. He subjected Himself to humanity to

become acquainted with all the temptations wherewith man is

beset. He took upon Him the infirmities and bore the sorrows of

the sons of Adam."—Our

High Calling,

p. 57.

How does Christ's victorious human experience make Him

the perfect High Priest?

Jesus as man's High Priest is our guarantee that all Heaven

knows the weight of our temptations. And He is also a standing

witness that temptations can and must be overcome. " 'Verily,

verily, I say unto you, ... He that beiieveth on Me, the works that I

do shall he do also.' The Saviour was deeply anxious for His

disciples to understand for what purpose His d ivinity was united

to humanity. He came to the world to display the glory of God,

that man might be uplifted by its restoring power. God was

manifested in Him that He might be manifested in them. Jesus

revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may

not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which

all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God

as He was."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 664.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 129-131.

LESSON 5 April 24 - 30

Model Man of

Prayer

"In the days of his flesh, Jesus

offered up prayers and supplications,

with loud cries and tears, to him who

was able to save him from death, and

he was heard for his godly fear" (Heb.

5:7, RSV).

Jesus' life, like ours, was busy. But

He set His priorities properly—time

spent with God each day is essential

to a spiritual life.

Men and women may impress

others with their knowledge of

theology; they may give many

indications that they are very religious.

But the surest clue to what a person

really thinks about God and about

faith is in his or her understanding of

prayer.

What a person thinks about prayer

reveals the kind of God he worships. If

God is an Absolute Being, brooding

ANIONOMmIllalftememonnwO

"within" or "above" His creation,

then the "worshiper" can only

"brood" back, thinking through the

many ways that such a "God" deserves

respect. But whatever the fertile mind

of such a "worshiper" comes up with,

it will still be the product of human

reason or intuition.

But if God is the self-revealing

Creator of the universe, a spiritual

Person who created man in His own

image (Gen. 1:27), then He is a God

who speaks, who makes Himself

heard, who steps into human history

in many different ways. The God who

speaks to His creation is a God who

solicits a reply.

Men and women were made to

communicate with God. We were

made to respond with love to love. The

communication breaks down when

we rebel and assert our will over

against our Lord's. Distrust replaces

faith that is revealed in love (Gal. 5:6).

Prayer becomes impossible when men

and women distrust God and choose

what seems to them a better way.

But when prayer goes, peace,joy,

and health go too. We were made to

pray even as we were made to

breathe—if we truly want to make the

most out of human existence. It was

the solitary, lonely, selfish, hopeless

person whom God loved, even in his

or her loveless condition. He sent

Jesus to the world to awaken in us our

real possibilities and destinies.

One of the chief results of studying

Jesus as our model is that we learn how

important it is for even perfectly

mature persons to pray. In Jesus we

can see what prayer can do for any

man or woman. We see Him as truly

man offering fearless, trusting prayers

to His heavenly Father. Such was the

God Jesus knew, one who could

evoke such trust, such simple prayers!

And prayer made the difference in

the life of Jesus. If He had not prayed

as He did, He would not have lived as

He did.

"Satan has asserted that men could

not keep the commandments of God.

To prove that they could, Christ

became a man, and lived a life of

perfect obedience, an evidence to

sinful human beings, to the worlds

unfallen, and to the heavenly angels,

that man could keep God's law

through the divine power that is

abundantly provided for all that

believe. In order to reveal God to the

world, to demonstrate as true that

which Satan has denied, Christ

volunteered to take humanity, and in

His power, humanity can obey God....

"Satan exulted when Christ became

a human being, and he compassed His

path with every conceivable

temptation. Human weakness and

tears were His portion; but He sought

unto God, praying with His whole

soul, with strong crying and tears; and

He was heard in that He feared. The

subtlety of the enemy could not

ensnare Him while He made God His

trust, and was obedience to His

words."--Ellen G. White,

Signs of the

Times, May

10, 1899.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Prayer, a Life Habit

(Markl :35)

"Come Ye . . . Apart"

(Mark 6:31, 32)

Power of Prayer

(Luke 3:21, 22)

Thy Will Be Done

(Matt. 26:39)

Pray for Your Enemies

(Matt. 5:44)

A Divine Science

(Luke 11:10)

Model Man of Prayer

LESSON 5



❑

Sunday

April 24

Part 1

PRAYER, A

LIFE HABIT

What was one of the distinguishing features of Christ's

personal life?

"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he

went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there

prayed" (Mark 1:35).

Our Lord's enemies were forced to confess, "Never man

spake like this man" (John 7:46). Why? Because never did a

man pray like this man! His example of prayer was not to show

us how God would pray but how men and women must pray.

"Prayer in secret, prayer while the hands are engaged in

labor, prayer while walking by the way, prayer in the night

season, the heart's desires ever ascending to God,—this is our

only safety. In this manner Enoch walked with God. In this

manner our Exemplar obtained strength to tread the thorny

path from Nazareth to Calvary.

"Christ, the sinless One, upon whom the Holy Spirit was

bestowed without measure, constantly acknowledged his de-

pendence upon God, and sought fresh supplies from the

Source of strength and wisdom. . . .

" ... We must look to Christ; we must resist as he resisted; we

must pray as he prayed; we must agonize as he agonized, if we

would conquer as he conquered."—Ellen G. White,

Review and

Herald,

Nov. 8, 1887.

Man that He was, Jesus needed continual supplies of strength

from His heavenly Father in order to remain untainted and an

overcomer. He needed physical strength to cope with the in-

creasing demands upon His time and energy; He needed mental

clearness to see without distortion the will of God for Him daily;

He needed spiritual strength to remain perceptive and fresh as

He shared the insight, hope, and courage with sin-weary con-

temporaries.

"He was unsullied with corruption, a stranger to sin; yet He

prayed, and that often with strong crying and tears. He prayed

for His disciples and for Himself, thus identifying Himself with

our needs, our weaknesses, and our failings, which are so

common with

humanity."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, pp. 508, 509.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can I discover the power of prayer?

We all know how easily and almost imperceptibly we neglect

prayer because it is so familiar—or become bored after thinking

prayer more an obligation than a privilege. Let us watch the

Model Man at prayer and discover the secret of His victories.



FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 51, 52.

Model Man of Prayer

LESSON 5



❑

Monday

April 25

Part 2

"COME YE

. . . APART"

By what incident did Jesus make clear that personal piety is

necessary to sustain spiritual activity for others?

"He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert

place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and

going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they

departed into a desert place by ship privately" (Mark 6:31, 32).

The disciples had just returned from one of their first mis-

sionary journeys apart from Christ. They had devoted them-

selves to their labors and were now exhausted. Jesus knew that

many dangers arise when men and women try to do personal

work for others when they are physically and mentally tired; the

will is weaker and temptations more subtle and overpowering.

"It is not wise to be always under the strain of work and

excitement, even in ministering to men's spiritual needs; for in

this way personal piety is neglected, and the powers of mind

and soul and body are overtaxed. Self-denial is required of the

disciples of Christ, and sacrifices must be made; but care must

also be exercised lest through their overzeal Satan take advan-

tage of the weakness of humanity, and the work of God be

marred."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 362.

Besides, Jesus knew that without constant spiritual refresh-

ment it is very easy for men and women to feel, almost uncon-

sciously, that their success is the result of their own skills and

perseverance only. Spiritual pride is almost incurable.

Special seasons for prayer, in addition to daily devotions,

seemed to be as necessary for the disciples as they are for us

today; we need special time "to commune with Christ, with

nature, and with their [our] own hearts."—The

Desire of Ages,

360.

The church needs occasions to come apart and study what

God expects from His people, listening as He speaks personally

to the heart and not through human intermediaries.

What kind of "rest" is most conducive to spiritual renewal?

"The rest which Christ and His disciples took was not self-

indulgent rest. The time they spent in retirement was not de-

voted to pleasure seeking. They talked together regarding the

work of God, and the possibility of bringing greater efficiency to

the work."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 361.



THINK IT THROUGH



What adjustments do I need to make in my life to provide

both spiritual activity and spiritual rest?



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 359-363.

4-ASSL 2-77

Model Man of Prayer

LESSON 5



❑

Tuesday

April 26

Part 3



What incident in the life of Jesus reveals the power of

POWER OF prayer?

PRAYER

THINK IT THROUGH

"When Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the

heaven was opened, ... and a voice came from heaven, 'Thou

art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased' " (Luke 3:21,

22, RSV).

Christ's prayer at this time was a tremendous demonstration

of how near Heaven may come to a person when he prays.

Instead of an angel's answering the prayer, the Father Himself

sent an acknowledgement—"a dovelike form of purest

light."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 112.

This incident in the life of Christ is only one of many that tell us

"of the power of prayer,—how the human voice may reach the

ear of God, and our petitions find acceptance in the courts of

heaven.... The light which fell from the open portals upon the

head of our Saviour will fall upon us as we pray for help to resist

temptation."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 113.

Our Lord's prayer life is an example of how we should be

praying amidst our earthly difficulties. "As one with us, a sharer

in our needs and weaknesses, He was wholly dependent upon

God, and in the secret place of prayer He sought divine strength,

that He might go forth braced for duty and trial. In a world of sin

Jesus endured struggles and torture of soul. In communion with

God He would unburden the sorrows that were crushing Him.

Here He found comfort and joy.

"In Christ the cry of humanity reached the Father of infinite

pity. Asa man He supplicated the throne of God till His humanity

was charged with a heavenly current that should connect hu-

manity with divinity. Through continual communion He re-

ceived life from God, that He might impart life to the world. His

experience is to be ours."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 363.

What opportunity do I give God to speak His will clearly to

me? What changes should I make in my life that will permit

God to speak directly, unmistakably to my soul?

None of us can be overcomers at last or enjoy spiritual peace

now if we live on secondhand information about God or if our

faith is rented from someone else. We must discover for our-

selves, individually, that the surest evidence for the divinity of

Scriptures and the existence of God is the "voice of God"

speaking to our souls. (See

The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 461,

462.)

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 111-113.

Model Man of Prayer

LESSON 5



❑

Wednesday

April 27

Part 4

THY WILL

BE DONE

THINK IT THROUGH

At what terrible moment in our Lord's life did He turn in

prayer to God for help?

"0 my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me:

nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matt. 26:39).

Gethsemane was no sham affair. All Jesus had with which to

fend off satanic doubt was the truths of Scripture, prayer, and

His own experience.

The outlook, humanly speaking, was desperately bleak. It

seemed, from all outward evidence, that Jesus had failed His

mission. Guilty and ungrateful men and women seemed beyond

redemption.

His humanity cried out three times those chilling, bitter

words: "If it be possible, let this cup pass." But always He

added. "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as though wilt." "Terrible

was the temptation to let the human race bear the conse-

quences of its own guilt."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 688.

He prayed "for His own tempted, agonized soul. . . . Three

times has humanity shrunk from the last crowning

sacrifice."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 690. But always He breathed

submission—the last stretch of trust when all else seemed lost.

In answer to His prayers help came—not that He should be

taken from that terrible ordeal but that He would be

strengthened to drink this last cup of self-denial on behalf of

others.

After hours of anguish such as no man has ever yet endured,

bloodied in the duel with Satan, we find Jesus not prostrate,

conceding the field to Satan and pliable in the hands of His

adversaries. Hardly. We find Him in command of the situation,

awakening His disciples. Then He faced up to the murderous

mob coming from the city, led byJudas. He stood in dignity and

glory before the hardened soldiers and calloused priests—the

product of prayer.

How can I give God a chance to do for me what He did for

Jesus when I face the crushing, almost insoluble problems of

life?

For Jesus, prayer was not a procedure whereby God would

give Him whatever He asked, if He prayed long enough. Neither

was prayer a mere mental reflex. Jesus did not merely talk to

Himself in Gethsemane and transform Himself into the Man who

faced the world as He did at His trial and crucifixion. All through

His life prayer was communion with His heavenly Father and the

avenue for receiving heavenly strength.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 685-697.

Model Man of Prayer

LESSON 5



❑

Thursday

April 28

Part 5

PRAY FOR

YOUR ENEMIES

What remarkable command did Jesus give to His followers

regarding their attitude toward their enemies?

"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to

them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use

you, and persecute you" (Matt. 5:44).

Loving one's enemies, extending the hand of forgiveness to

an offender, is uncommon behavior anywhere, any time. Even

to the Jews, God's people, this was a strange admonition; for

they cultivated a spirit of retaliation, especially to the Romans.

Jesus is not suggesting, however, that by praying for one's

enemies, His followers are to accept wrongs done to others

without appropriate response. "When they [God's followers]

see that God is dishonored, and His service brought into disre-

pute, when they see the innocent oppressed, a righteous indig-

nation stirs the soul. Such anger, born of sensitive morals, is not

a sin. But those who at any supposed provocation feel at liberty

to indulge anger or resentment are opening the heart to Satan.

Bitterness and animosity must be banished from the soul if we

would be in harmony with heaven."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 310.

To pray for one's enemies requires the Spirit of God; it is

almost a reflex action for non-Christians to hate and to seek

revenge. But the Spirit of God will help create the character of

God; His followers will see others as God does, pitying us all,

even when we rebel in the face of His love. "It is only the Spirit of

God that gives love for hatred. To be kind to the unthankful and

to the evil, to do good hoping for nothing again, is the insignia of

the royalty of heaven, the sure token by which the children of the

Highest reveal their high estate."—Thoughts

From the Mount of

Blessing,

p. 75.

In what experience do we see most clearly Jesus practicing

the principles He taught in Matthew 5:44? Luke 23:33, 34.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can I make a difference between opposing sin and

opposing the sinner?

"When trials arise that seem unexplainable, we should not

allow our peace to be spoiled. However unjustly we may be

treated, let not passion arise. By indulging a spirit of retaliation

we injure ourselves. We destroy our own confidence in God,

and grieve the Holy Spirit."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

pp. 171,

172.



FURTHER STUDY



Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

"The Spirituality of the

Law" (Matt. 5:44), pp. 73-75.

Model Man of Prayer

LESSON 5



❑

Friday

April 29

Part 6



What practical counsel did Jesus give His disciples when

A DIVINE they asked Him to teach them how to pray?

SCIENCE

THINK IT THROUGH

"For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh

findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened" (Luke

11:10).

After Jesus outlined a model prayer for His disciples, He

illustrated His lesson with a parable. The story described a man

who, when suddenly visited by guests, went to a neighbor and

implored some bread in order to feed his hungry friends.

By contrast Jesus taught that if a selfish man would grant a

request to a troublesome neighbor, how much more would God

answer our requests when we ask in order to serve others.

The instruction given regarding prayer in Luke 11 is really a

mirror of our Lord's way of life. He sought help daily in order to

serve better His fellowmen. But His instruction is not to be

passed over quickly. "There is a divine science in prayer, and

His illustration brings to view principles that all need to under-

stand. He shows what is the true spirit of prayer, He teaches the

necessity of perseverance in presenting our requests to God,

and assures us of His willingness to hear and answer

prayer."—Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 142.

What is the true spirit of prayer that is taught in this parable

of the host without bread? Luke 11:5-8.

"We are to ask that we may give. The principle of Christ's life

must be the principle of our lives.... The same devotion, the

same self-sacrifice, the same subjection to the claims of the

word of God, that were manifest in Christ, must be seen in His

servants. Our mission to the world is not to serve or please

ourselves; we are to glorify God by co-operating with Him to

save sinners. We are to ask blessings from God that we may

communicate to others."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

pp. 142,

143.

In analyzing my private and public prayers, for what do I ask

and seek? Do I endeavor to change God's mind, or do I ask for

that which would bring me into harmony with His mind?

Are we asking for those specific blessingi that will make us

more like Jesus? Do we ask for blessings when there are areas

in our lives that are not reflecting God's will as we know it? Do

we use prayer to take the place of duty? Do we know the

difference between genuine prayer and the impulse of the mo-

ment?

FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"Asking to Give," pp. 142-149.

LESSON 6 May 1 - 7

Model Witness

"I, when I am lifted up from the

earth, will draw all men to myself"

(John 12:32, RSV).

Jesus included everyone as a

possible candidate for eternal life;

exclusivism is not a characteristic of

genuine Christianity.

How strange and tragic it is that the

Christian church has often become

exclusive. In many lands, political

leaders and the wealthy are associated

with a particular denomination;

middle class, small business operators

call to mind another denomination;

and so it goes through the various

social, economic, and intellectual

levels of society. In too many cases,

nonbelievers as well as believers are

frozen out of those churches which

cater to a different social class.

When Jesus chose the nucleus of

the church, He attempted the grand

experiment—and eventually was

successful. The rich and poor, the

philosophical and the naive, the

refined and the crude—all gathered at

the call of One who said, "Follow Me."

And all their needs were supplied,

varied as they were.

Could there be anything more

important for the church to learn well

today than to watch how Jesus related

to the nonbeliever? The rich or the

poor, the philosophical or the

unlettered, the refined and the crude,

are still with us. And we too must vary

our bait and tailor our approach if we

are to gain the confidence of people of

various needs and customs, all of

whom need to hear God's call today.

Jesus has shown us also that most

people will not find their way to Him

on their own volition; they must be

appealed to, their interest must be

awakened, and their sensibilities must

be respected. "Christ's method alone

will give true success in reaching the

people. The Saviour mingled with men

as one who desired their good. He

showed His sympathy for them,

ministered to their needs, and won

their confidence. Then He bade them,

'Follow Me.'

"—The Ministry of

Healing,

p. 143.

Jesus reached out to help everyone.

He sought out the higher ranks of

society with tender interest, as well as

the lower.

He knew that by concentrating

exclusively on either the "higher

classes" or on the "lower classes," as

the world designates them, the church

would in the end lose its dynamic

power and also repel people whom He

came to save.

Often the messenger to our church

has issued appeals such as this:

"Much has been lost by our people

through following such narrow plans

that the more intelligent,

better-educated classes are not

reached. Too often the work has been

so conducted as to impress

unbelievers that it is of very little

consequence—some stray offshoot of

religious enthusiasm, entirely beneath

their notice. Much has been lost for

want of wise methods of labor. Every

effort should be made to give

character and dignity to the work."

—Evangelism,

p. 562.

The ministry of Jesus went beyond

words. His life and actions were a

constant testimony, bringing divine

light into a darkened world.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

To the Educated

(John 3:10)

To the Less Educated

(Mark 12:37)

To Sinners at the Bottom of the

Social Scale

(John 4:9)

To Sinners at the Top of the Social

Scale

(Acts 10:1-3)

To Crass Materialists

(Matt. 5:46)

With Something for Everybody

(Luke 5:31, 32)



Model Witness



LESSON 6



❑

Sunday

May 1



Part 1



What particular experience in our Lord's life helps us to

TO THE EDUCATED understand how to present the gospel to the educated mind?

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of

Israel, and knowest not these things?" (John 3:10).

Read verses 1-10.

Nicodemus represents a vast number of men and women who

have attained a noble, moral character in an immoral society.

They have reached this achievement by education, self-

discipline, and high religious ideals. Such persons have at-

tained life at its best, as this world knows it, and enjoyed its

satisfactions and privileges. Nevertheless, Nicodemus, a distin-

guished teacher, a leader of respected integrity, a member of

the Sanhedrin, was strangely moved by the young Teacher from

Nazareth, who aroused serious doubts about what was missing

in "the good life."

Nicodemus arranged for an uninterrupted inverview at night.

He shrank from the scorn that would come if he showed defer-

ence to a traveling teacher without proper university degrees.

His complimentary address was met by a kind statement that

went directly to the point. Nicodemus was looking forward to a

keen discussion about truth, but Jesus did not waste his time

parrying theory. Although Nicodemus wanted a teacher, Jesus

knew that he needed a Saviour. (See John 3:3.)

Though a skillful persuader, Jesus did not try to meet argu-

ment with argument or force submission. He led Nicodemus

from the known to the unknown. He appealed to a great moment

in Jewish history (John 3:14) that the learned ruler knew well

and led him to ask from his heart, How and Why?

Then with expert handling of the human heart, Jesus, appeal-

ing to life's highest motivation, answered these questions with

"Because—God so loved." Even the brightest minds need more

than indoctrination and argument; they must be introduced to

the loving, bleeding heart of the Saviour.

Although Jesus did not press for a decision in that first inter-

view, He did what He could to meet Nicodemus man to man,

mind to mind, and heart to heart. Our Lord's confidence was not

misplaced. His methods were effective, for Nicodemus became

a bulwark of the infant Christian church, confessing freely that

life at its best is not good enough without a transforming faith in

Jesus.



THINK IT THROUGH



What growth do I need so that educated people may respect

my logic and compassion enough to trust what I say about

Jesus?



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 167-177.

Model Witness

LESSON 6



❑

Monday

May 2

Part 2

TO THE

LESS EDUCATED

THINK IT THROUGH

How did less educated people react to Jesus?

"And the common people heard him gladly" (Mark 12:37).

The wisdom that is heaven-born and that leads to heaven is

not gained by the usual avenues of academic training. Yet, such

wisdom must be grasped, appreciated, and assimilated by the

educated and uneducated alike.

One of the reasons why more educated people did not follow

Jesus isthat the truths of Christianity can be understood only by

those who distrust themselves and crush pride of opinion, re-

nouncing every sin that the Spirit of God reveals. (See

The

Desire of Ages,

p. 455.)

But one of the reasons why more uneducated people did not

follow Jesus is that truth cannot grow in the heart of an inatten-

tive hearer.

Jesus did not belittle manual labor. His body showed the

ruggedness of a hard-working carpenter. He was able to appeal

to the toiling farmer, artisan, or fisherman. From experience He

knew the thoughts that cross the mind of those who labor daily

for life's necessities. He could speak to their humble concerns,

using "the simplest terms and the plainest symbols."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 443.

One of the secrets of Christ's effectiveness with the un-

schooled is that He could see great potential when others saw

nothing special. "In the common walks of life there is many a

man patiently treading the round of daily toil, unconscious that

he possesses powers which, if called into action, would raise

him to an equality with the world's most honored men. The

touch of a skillful hand is needed to arouse those dormant

faculties."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 250.

This keen appreciation of unseen qualities, especially in the

uneducated, is one of the strongest ties that a soul-winner can

develop. Trust begets trust. When a nonbeliever sees that it is

the spirit of Jesus that leads church members to spend time and

effort in their behalf, the attraction to Jesus as Lord will be deep

indeed.

Do I see the unseen qualities in others? How can I assist

them in reaching out for opportunities to grow under the

Lord's guidance?

"It is the highest work of education ... to impart that vitalizing

energy which is received through the contact of mind with

mind, and soul with soul. It is only life that can beget life."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 250.

FURTHER STUDY



Education,

pp. 84-86.

Model Witness

LESSON 6



❑

Tuesday

May 3

Part 3

TO SINNERS AT

THE BOTTOM OF

THE SOCIAL SCALE

THINK IT THROUGH

In what experience did Jesus show His disciples how they

ought to relate to those whom they might consider "hopeless

cases"?

"The Samaritan woman said to him, 'How is it that you, a

Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?' " (John 4:9,

RSV).

Because fellow countrymen were making His ministry dif-

ficult, Jesus took the opportunity to show His disciples that the

gospel of the kingdom could be appreciated by those of whom

the least might be expected—society's apparently hopeless

cases. With the Samaritan woman Jesus showed that His saving

power could leap over any social, racial, or moral barrier.

Jesus was always alert to another's need. "With matchless

skill, he arrested her attention by asking for a drink of water;

then he aroused her curiosity by making some striking state-

ments; and by a process of self-revelation he led her to an

intense desire for soul-satisfaction which she had thus far

missed."—Gaines S. Dobbins,

Evangelism According to Christ,

(New York: Harper and Bros., 1949), p. 55.

Kindly but firmly Jesus helped the woman to see herself

realistically. He did not cover up her sin by offering forgiveness

before she saw the depths of her problem and was willing to

repent. Although she tried to divert Him, He held to His course.

He appealed to those motivations that pull at the deepest wants

of men and women: love, worship, truth, fulfillment, salvation.

The stirring of her deepest human needs helped her to realize

that this Friend of the nonbeliever had something for her.

The Samaritan woman reminds us that, though a person may

have lived in the mire of sin, there may yet be much that can be

salvaged. In that noonday conversation she perceived more

about our lord's message than Nicodemus, or the leaders in

Jerusalem, or even the disciples had at that point. Somehow the

master disciple winner had helped her to take an honest look at

herself. He gave her a hope of recovery, believed that she was

redeemable, and talked to her, not with scorn, but firmly and

compassionately.

Whom have I considered scarcely worth saving because he

has been living at the bottom of the social scale?

"The gospel invitation is not to be narrowed down, and pre-

sented only to a select few, who, we suppose, will do us honor if

they accept it. The message is to be given to all."—

The Desire of

Ages,

p. 194.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 183-195.



Model Witness



LESSON 6



❑

Wednesday

May 4



Part 4



What outstanding New Testament incident shows how in-

TO SINNERS AT terested God is in the salvation of the wealthy?

THE TOP OF THE



SOCIAL SCALE



"At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, . . . a

devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms

liberally to the people, and prayed constantly to God. About

the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of

God" (Acts 10:1-3, RSV).

"So today God is seeking for souls among the high as well as

the low. There are many like Cornelius, men whom He desires to

connect with His church. Their sympathies are with the Lord's

people. But the ties that bind them to the world hold them firmly.

It requires moral courage for these men to take their position

with the lowly ones."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 209.

Jesus understood the needs and desires of the upper classes

equally as well as He understood those of the lower. He adapted

His approach to the rich with no less masterful skill. "He sought

the acquaintance of the wealthy and cultured Pharisee, the

Jewish nobleman, and the Roman ruler. He accepted their invi-

tations, attended their feasts, made Himself familiar with their

interests and occupations, that He might gain access to their

hearts, and reveal to them the imperishable riches."

—The

Ministry of Healing,

pp. 24, 25.

The wealthy are more often neglected than the poor because

their riches seem to indicate that they lack nothing.

The instruction to the church is clear: "Those who belong to

the higher ranks of society are to be sought out with tender

affection and brotherly regard. Men in business life, in high

positions of trust, men with large inventive faculties and scien-

tific insight, men of genius, teachers of the gospel whose minds

have not been called to the special truths for this time—these

should be the first to hear the

call."—Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 230.



THINK IT THROUGH



What special characteristics should mark those who work

for the wealthy and upper classes?

Although the disciple winners who seek out those higher up

in the social scale need not embellish themselves with the

trappings of wealth, "they will have to sharpen up, and be armed

and equipped in order to present the truth intelligently and to

reach the higher classes. Their minds must rise higher, and

show greater strength and clearness."—Evangelism, p. 556.



FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 209-216.

Model Witness

LESSON 6



❑

Thursday

May 5

Part 5



"If ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do

TO CRASS not even the publicans the same?" (Matt. 5:46).

MATERIALISTS

The publican was the local collector of taxes for Rome—a

member of the class of society most offensive to the Jews. The

Roman government auctioned off the privilege of collecting

taxes within a city or province to the highest bidder. He then

collected the payment either directly or through his agents. To

the Jews, the payment of taxes was especially offensive, be-

cause it represented the tyranny of Rome; and the tax collector

was usually an extortionist who demanded as much as the

traffic would bear. "A Jew who accepted this office at the hands

of the Romans was looked upon as betraying the honor of his

nation. He was despised as an apostate, and was classed with

the vilest of society."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 272.

What remarkable invitation by Jesus gives hope to crass

materialists everywhere? Matt. 9:9.

Matthew was the fifth man to hear our Lord's call to join His

service. Although almost everyone else judged Matthew ac-

cording to his occupation, Jesus saw that Matthew recognized

his need for spiritual help.

What further act, though infuriating the sanctimonious

church members, indicates how wide the outreach of the

Christian church must be? Matt. 9:10-13.

"Jesus sat as an honored guest at the table of the publicans,

by His sympathy and social kindliness showing that He recog-

nized the dignity of humanity; and men longed to become

worthy of His confidence. Upon their thirsty hearts His words

fell with blessed, life-giving power. New impulses were

awakened, and the possibility of a new life opened to these

outcasts of society."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 274.

THINK IT THROUGH

How can I follow Christ's example in extending the hand of

friendship to highly visible worldlings? Should the Christian

assume the life-style of the worldling in order to be more

effective?

"The Pharisees would not consider thatJesus was eating with

publicans and sinners in order to bring the light of heaven to

those who sat in darkness. They would not see that every word

dropped by the divine Teacher was a living seed that would

germinate and bear fruit to the glory of God."—The

Desire of

Ages,

p. 276.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 272-276.



Model Witness



LESSON 6



❑

Friday

May 6



Part 6



What words of Jesus throw open the door of the church to all

WITH classes of society?

SOMETHING



FOR



"Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those

EVERYBODY who are sick; I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners

to repentance" (Luke 5:31, 32, RSV).

Jesus broke through many social and religious barriers by His

behavior as well as by His teachings. When He sat at the hon-

ored seat in Matthew's home, surrounded by the scorned and

despised of His day, He was signaling that God's heart is big

enough to receive anyone who senses his need for spiritual

help, regardless of his social circumstances.

Jesus never refused an opportunity to sow the seed of truth.

Through the art of winning conversation, the gracious consid-

eration for every person He met, He drew hearts to Himself—no

one was excluded from fellowship with God.

What approach did Jesus use in "telling the truth"?

"He did not make a direct attack on the errors of the people.

He saw the misery of the world on account of sin, yet He did not

present before them a vivid delineation of their wretchedness.

He taught them of something infinitely better than they had

known. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of God,

He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to

draw their own conclusions as to its nature."—The

Desire of

Ages,

p. 299.



THINK IT THROUGH



What value is there to me in studying the words and acts of

Jesus, especially in regard to meeting nonbelievers?

"In the training of the disciples the example of the Saviour's

life was far more effective than any mere doctrinal instruction.

When they were separated from Him, every look and tone and

word came back to them. Often when in conflict with the

enemies of the gospel, they repeated His words, and as they saw

their effect upon the people, they rejoiced greatly."—The

Desire

of Ages,

pp. 349, 350.

One of the first principles that Jesus made clear is that no one

is to be considered worthless. "In whatever company He found

Himself He presented a lesson appropriate to the time and the

circumstances. Every neglect or insult shown by men to their

fellow men only made Him more conscious of their need of His

divine-human sympathy. He sought to inspire with hope the

roughest and most unpromising."—The

Ministry of Healing,

pp.

25, 26.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 350, 351.

LESSON 7 May 8 - 14

Model of Integrity

"A bruised reed he will not break,

and a dimly burning wick he will

not quench;

he will faithfully bring forth

justice.

He will not fail or be discouraged

till he has established justice in

the earth."

Isa. 42:3, 4, RSV.

Over 700 years before Christ's birth,

Isaiah prophesied that He would be a

man of great integrity. Though He

needed to get the attention of the

world, He would not employ any of

the self-serving methods that were

traditionally used. "The homage

which the world gives to position, or

wealth, or talent, was foreign to the

Son of man. None of the means that

men employ to win allegiance or

command homage did Jesus use.. ..

"In marked contrast to all this was

the life of Jesus. In that life no noisy

disputation, no ostentatious worship,

no act to gain applause, was ever

witnessed. Christ was hid in God, and

God was revealed in the character of

His Son. To this revelation Jesus

desired the minds of the people to be

directed, and their homage to be

given."—The

Desire of Ages,

pp. 260,

261.

The integrity of Jesus was based on

a life in proper perspective; He kept

His priorities clear and the various

facets of life in balance.

There is little test to integrity if a

person has no power or wealth or

advantage that others want, or if there

is no real opportunity to make

personal gain by moral shortcuts. But

Jesus could have had everything that

others coveted and could use to their

advantage—He could gain the

attention of men and women

everywhere by appealing to and

satifying their selfish desires. He

could, if He wanted to rationalize, tell

Himself that such would be fulfilling

His mission as God's emissary to win

the hearts of humanity.

But Jesus, the model for man was

kept true to duty because He

permitted nothing to divide His loyalty

to God; the wholeness of His fidelity,

the undeviating allegiance to

principle, was a reflection of what we

call integrity.

He gave us a personal example of

the price a person pays in maintaining

his integrity. Because of Jesus we

know that "the Christian life is a battle

and a march. In this warfare there is no

release; the effort must be continuous

and persevering. It is by unceasing

endeavor that we maintain the victory

over the temptations of Satan.

Christian integrity must be sought

with resistleSs energy and maintained

with a resolute fixedness of

purpose."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 453.

There are seemingly endless ways

by which "good" men and women

take moral shortcuts while they are

attempting to do good works. The

human mind seems to be extremely

productive in manufacturing excuses

for such items as padding expense

accounts, cheating on income taxes,

or customs duty, reducing tithes and

offerings, or remaining silent when

others are falsely accused or criticized.

Our life record often looks very cheap

and regrettable when compared to our

model.

No wonder this gem was penned:

"The greatest want of the world is the

want of men—men who will not be

bought or sold, men who in their

inmost souls are true and honest, men

who do not fear to call sin by its right

name, men whose conscience is as

true to duty as the needle to the pole,

men who will stand for the right

though the heavens

fall."—Education,

p. 57.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

He Taught Loyalty

(Matt. 6:24)

He Refused to Take Advantage

(John 5:41-43)

He Was No Policy Man

(Luke 15:1, 2)

He Joined Truth, Peace, and

Humility

(Matt. 11:29)

He Requires Devotion to Duty

(Luke 9:23)

He Paid the Price of Truth

(John 6:66, 67)

Model of Integrity

LESSON 7



❑

Sunday

May 8

Part 1



What fundamental principle of mental and spiritual health

HE TAUGHT did Jesus state clearly?

LOYALTY

"No man can serve two masters" (Matt. 6:24).

The English word "integrity" is derived from the Latin word

for "wholeness." We maintain integrity when there is an undi-

vided loyalty; integrity exists when there is nothing missing,

when all is together and complete. When part of a person's life

seems devoted to one set of principles and another phase to

conflicting principles, we say that such a person has lost his

integrity; he lives a divided life.

What did James say about a person who has lost integrity?

James 1:8.

THINK IT THROUGH

"We cannot serve God with a divided heart. Bible religion is

not one influence among many others; its influence is to be

supreme, pervading and controlling every other. It is not to be

like a dash of color brushed here and there upon the canvas, but

it is to pervade the whole life, as if the canvas were dipped into

the color, until every thread of the fabric were dyed a deep,

unfading hue."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 312.

There are many ways to be a rebel, but only one way to be

loyal. Jesus, from His earliest experiences where He had to

make choices, set the pattern for human integrity. "At a very

early age, Jesus had begun to act for Himself in the formation of

His character, and not even respect and love for His parents

could turn Him from obedience to God's word. 'It is written' was

His reason for every act that varied from the family customs. But

the influence of the rabbis made His life a bitter one. Even in His

youth He had to learn the hard lesson of silence and patient

endurance."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 86.

When others are misunderstood and accused unfairly, what

is my response?

"Worldly policy and the undeviating principles of righteous-

ness do not blend into each other imperceptibly, like the colors

of the rainbow. Between the two a broad, clear line is drawn by

the eternal God. The likeness of Christ stands out as distinct

from that of Satan as midday in contrast with midnight. And only

those who live the life of Christ are His co-workers. If one sin is

cherished in the soul, or one wrong practice retained in the life,

the whole being is contaminated."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 313.

FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 197, 198.

Model of Integrity

LESSON 7



❑

Monday

May 9



Part 2



What simple statement revealed our Lord's total commit-

HE REFUSED ment to seek the glory of God alone?

TO TAKE



ADVANTAGE



"I do not receive glory from men. . . . I have come in my

Father's name, and you do not receive me; if another comes in

his own name, him you will receive" (John 5:41-43, RSV).

"Jesus came by the authority of God, bearing His image,

fulfilling His word, and seeking His glory; yet He was not ac-

cepted by the leaders in Israel; but when others should come,

assuming the character of Christ, but actuated by their own will

and seeking their own glory, they would be received. And why?

Because he who is seeking his own glory appeals to the desire

for self-exaltation in others."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 212.

If ever there was a man who could have amazed His fellow

men with brilliant mental excursions, marvelous feats of mem-

ory, or the most charming graciousness that would have made

everyone feel that all was well—Jesus was that person. But that

would not have given us an example of love and integrity. "None

of the means that men employ to win allegiance or command

homage did Jesus use."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 31.

Jesus did not seek attention by dazzling the senses with His

glory; He did not seek distinction by purely human achievement

gained by great mental or physical effort. He turned the atten-

tion of His listeners to the love of God and away from Himself, to

give glory to God, not applause for Himself. Such is integrity in

living the Christian life.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can we appeal to the wealthy and the educated without

courting their favor and receiving special attention?

The test of integrity comes when we are able to treat all men

alike, giving courtesies and time to the poor and rich alike.

There is a difference between courting favor and humbly shar-

ing truth in the most refined manner possible. "He set at nought

the artificial distinctions of society. The aristocracy of birth,

wealth, talent, learning, rank, He ignored."—The

Ministry of

Healing,

p. 197.

The call to reflect the glory of God (that is, the character of

Jesus) and the unconsecrated urge to magnify self create a

division within the church member who professes Christianity.

All acts to gain applause, even where others gain a blessing,

reveal a spirit that is yet divided and lacking in integrity.



FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 196, 197.

Model of Integrity

LESSON 7



❑

Tuesday

May 10

Part 3



What circumstance demonstrated that Jesus would not fol-

HE WAS NO low a course of action merely because it was generally ex-

POLICY MAN pected of Him?

"Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for

to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying,

This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them" (Luke

15:1, 2).

The church leaders insinuated that Jesus preferred to

socialize with well-known sinners. "If He were a true prophet,

they said, He would harmonize with them [the rabbis], and

would treat the publicans and sinners with the indifference they

deserved. It angered these guardians of society that He with

whom they were continually in controversy, yet whose purity of

life awed and condemned them, should meet, in such apparent

sympathy, with social outcasts. They did not approve of His

methods."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 185.

In other words, Jesus was not a policy man; He did not live his

life in accordance with mere human expectation but in con-

formity with what God wished would be human policy.

When Jesus ate with the publicans at Matthew's house,

what crisis did He cause? Matt. 9:10-13.

"He well knew that this would give offense to the Pharisaic

party, and would also compromise Him in the eyes of the

people. But no question of policy could influence His move-

ments. With Him external distinctions weighed nothing."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 274.

A man guided merely by policy will in some way recognize

distinction of race, or rank, or creed. Instead of perceiving with

a clear eye what Jesus would do, a policy man endeavors to

please those who can return his favors and guarantee his per-

sonal security. But for Jesus, "no question of policy could

influence His movements."

THINK IT THROUGH

What is the policy principle today? What excuses do I nor-

mally give for my concessions to the policy principle?

"The policy principle is one that will assuredly lead into dif-

ficulties. He who regards the favor of men as more desirable

than the favor of God will fall under the temptation to sacrifice

principle for worldly gain or recognition. Thus fidelity to God is

constantly being sacrificed. . .. Hold fast your integrity in the

strength of the grace of Christ, and He will fulfill His word to

you."—Counsels to Teachers,

pp. 485, 486.

FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 452, 453.

Model of Integrity

LESSON 7



❑

Wednesday

May 11



Part 4



What winsome invitation from Jesus reveals how His way of

HE JOINED TRUTH, life joins truth, peace, and humility?

PEACE, AND



HUMILITY



"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and

lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matt.

11:29).

Learning of Jesus implies truth. His meekness and lowliness

combine in humility, and peace is the rest that He offers. These

were combined in His life and offered to His followers.

Perfect peace reigned in the heart of Jesus because He was a

man of integrity; that is, He lived by the truth. There was no

indecision or division of interest. Truth was His only concern.

He did not bend His behavior to please others or Himself. This

we will practice too if we learn of Him.

"We cannot follow Christ without wearing His yoke, without

lifting the cross and bearing it after Him. If our will is not in

accord with the divine requirements, we are to deny our inclina-

tions, give up our darling desires, and step in Christ's

footsteps."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commen-

tary,

vol. 5, pp. 1090, 1091.

Peace, humility, and integrity are interdependent virtues.

Without integrity there can be no peace or humility.

The person who looks for recognition every time he does a

good deed will often look in vain; his peace will often be dis-

turbed because he feels slighted. Such a person reveals a very

immature, partial understanding of truth. Truth, as we see it in

Jesus, brings peace and issues forth in humility.



THINK IT THROUGH



Do I see the connection between the reality of inward, spot-

less integrity and the absence of outward show?

The Jewish leaders, as well as most of the nation, rejected

Jesus largely because He did not conform to their expectations

of greatness and truth. Truth "has been unpopular ever since

Satan gave man a disrelish for it by presenting fables that lead to

self-exaltation... .

"Because their understanding was darkened by selfish prej-

udice, they could not harmonize the power of Christ's convict-

ing words with the humility of His life. They did not appreciate

the fact that real greatness can dispense with outward show....

They questioned, If He was what He claimed to be, why was He

so unpretending?"—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 242.

The Pharisees were also offended by His "spotless integrity.

His blameless life flashed light upon their hearts.... Such a light

was unwelcome."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 243.



FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 477, 478.

Model of Integrity

LESSON 7



❑

Thursday

May 12



Part 5



What did Jesus teach about self and following Him?

HE REQUIRES



DEVOTION



"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and

TO DUTY take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

It seems natural for the uncommitted or even the partially

committed heart to seek self-gratification, to work even noble

and spiritual duties into opportunities for selfish reward. But

when Jesus tells us to take His yoke and His cross, both symbols

of giving up the will to God, He is asking us to face life as He did.

"He was never elated by applause, nor dejected by censure or

disappointment. Amid the greatest opposition and the most

cruel treatment, He was still of good courage. But many who

profess to be His followers have an anxious, troubled heart,

because they are afraid to trust themselves with God. They do

not make a complete surrender to Him; for they shrink from the

consequences that such a surrender may involve. Unless they

do make this surrender, they cannot find peace."—The

Desire

of Ages,

p. 330.

When we walk in His steps, we shall not be seeking the

highest place. The Christian is more interested in leaving the

sweet fragrance of Jesus than having the reward. "We shall

understand that the value of our work does not consist in mak-

ing a show and noise in the world, and in being active and

zealous in our own strength."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 331.

The burden of life is very heavy when we concern ourselves

with seeking proper recognition. Anxiety and stress may largely

be due to an excess of concern for personal reward. These

afflictions can be immeasurably reduced by recognizing God as

the One to whom all credit is due.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can I know that when I do a good deed I will be uncon-

cerned about who gets the credit, or whether my efforts were

appreciated or not?

"We need to beware of self-pity. Never indulge the feeling that

you are not esteemed as you should be, that your efforts are not

appreciated, that your work is too difficult. Let the memory of

what Christ has endured for us silence every murmuring

thought. We are treated better than was our Lord. 'Seekest thou

great things for thyself? seek them not.' Jeremiah 45:5. The

Lord has no place in His work for those who have a greater

desire to win the crown than to bear the cross. He wants men

who are more intent upon doing their duty than upon receiving

their reward—men who are more solicitous for principle than

for promotion."—The

Ministry of Healing,

pp. 476, 477.



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"The Reward of Grace," pp. 398,

399.

Model of Integrity

LESSON 7



❑

Friday

May 13

Part 6

HE PAID THE

PRICE OF TRUTH

What reaction of many of Christ's followers to His teaching

revealed the high price that a man of integrity pays for truth?

"From that time many of his disciples went back, and

walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve,

Will ye also go away?" (John 6:66, 67).

After Jesus fed the 5000 men from a boy's lunch, the people

had all kinds of visions regarding this young rabbi who could

easily lead them in overthrowing the Roman yoke. They wanted

to make Him their king on the spot; they recognized His wisdom

and power as extraordinary, and they wanted to capitalize on

His abilities. Israel had at last found their Messiah. Jesus, with-

out question, had captured the attention and admiration of

Israel.

But a man of integrity prizes truth and duty above approval,

recognition, and peace: "Perceiving then that they were about

to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew

again to the hills by himself" (John 6:15, RSV).

"Praise and flattery would be pleasing to their ears; but the

truth is unwelcome; they cannot hear it. When the crowds fol-

low, and the multitudes are fed, and the shouts of triumph are

heard, their voices are loud in praise; but when the searching of

God's Spirit reveals their sin, and bids them leave it, they turn

their backs upon the truth, and walk no more with Jesus."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 392.



THINK IT THROUGH



What would I do if friends and even loved ones threatened

to part company with me because of the truth?

"Jesus Himself never purchased peace by compromise. His

heart overflowed with love for the whole human race, but He

was never indulgent to their sins. He was too much their friend

to remain silent while they were pursuing a course that would

ruin their souls.. . . Real peace can never be secured by com-

promising principle. And no man can be true to principle with-

out exciting opposition.... Their [the true believers'] only fear

should be lest they surrender the truth, and thus betray the trust

with which God has honored them."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 356.



•

When God looks for leaders today, "they will be humble,

God-fearing men, not conservative, not policy men; but men

who have moral independence and will move forward in the fear

of the Lord. They will be kind, noble, courteous; yet they will not

be swayed from the right path, but will proclaim the truth in

righteousness whether men will hear or whether they will

forbear."—Testimonies,

vol. 5, p. 263.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 391-393.

LESSON 8 May 15 - 21

Model Teacher

"Learn from me" (Matt. 11:29, RSV).

If what Jesus said about Himself was

true.then we would expect that the

methods He used to gain acceptance

would be very important—especially

to those whom He commissioned to

represent Him. Jesus is surely the

master disciple winner, and His

methods of awakening interest,

convincing reasonable men and

women, and finally persuading them

to follow Him in every respect, are

surely the pattern for all modern

witnesses to His truth about life.

No wonder Ellen White said: "As the

. highest preparation for your work, I

point you to the words, the life, the

methods, of the'Prince of teachers. I

bid you consider Him. Here is your

true ideal. Behold it, dwell upon it,

until the Spirit of the divine Teacher

shall take possession of your heart and

life."—Education,

p. 282.

This week we shall study several

aspects of the Model Teacher. No

teacher can truly fulfill his role unless

his students can be convinced that he

practices what he teaches. Jesus was a

living illustration of the message He

taught.

The Model Teacher laid down the

basic principle of respect for the

individual. Does the teacher teach to

satisfy his ego and court recognition

for his intelligence? If so, although he

may be a very learned instructor, he

merely uses his students; he does not

respect them as of great consequence.

The Model Teacher saw in every

person, no matter how far down on

the social ladder, unlimited

possibilities if he or she would accept

His teachings. In fact, our Lord's

concern for people becomes very

obvious as we watch Him give respect

to Nicodemus, "the teacher of Israel,"

extend utmost courtesy to the

Samaritan woman, and demonstrate

warm consideration to the nobleman

(whose son He healed) or to the

helpless cripple at the pool. The first

consideration every genuine Christian

teacher must exhibit is respect for the

particular needs and capacities of

people.

Respect for the individual leads to

tactfulness and adaptability. The

Model Teacher made learning easy

because His listeners were disarmed

by His courtesies and fine perceptions

of human feelings. He did not intrude

abruptly into another's life. Knowing

that He had the most important

message in all the world, He yet

demonstrated amazing restraint, with

a keen sense of timing and the proper

thing to say or do.

But the Model Teacher knew more

than skillful social techniques and the

craft of public speaking—He knew His

message. Students, young and old,

have a way of discovering very soon

whether their teacher knows his

"subject" and enjoys teaching. Our

Lord's enthusiasm, His simplicity and

depth of thought, His clearness and

directness—all these characteristics

indicate a Teacher who had mastered

His subject and who wanted nothing

else in the world but to teach and

persuade others regarding the

greatness of His messages.

"Jesus saw in every soul one to

whom must be given the call to His

kingdom. He reached the hearts of the

people by going among them as one

who desired their good. He sought

them in the public streets, in private

houses, on the boats, in the

synagogue, by the shores of the lake,

and at the marriage feast. He met them

at their daily vocations, and

manifested an interest in their secular

affairs. He carried His instruction into

the household, bringing families in

Jesus communicated the truths

of eternal life in terms which were

clear and practical, made so by

illustrations drawn from the real life

of His audience.

their own homes under the influence

of His divine presence. His strong

personal sympathy helped to win

hearts. He often repaired to the

mountains for solitary prayer, but this

was a preparation for His labor among

men in active life. From these seasons

He came forth to relieve the sick, to

instruct the ignorant, and to break the

chains from the captives of

Satan."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 151.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Himself the Illustration

(John 13:15)

Each Person Important

(Luke 19:5)

Involvement With Those He Taught

(1 John 1:2)

Concentrated on Essentials

(Luke 4:32; John 7:46)

Model Methods-1

(John 13:13)

Model Methods-2

(Luke 5:1, 2)

Model Teacher

LESSON 8



❑

Sunday

May 15



Part 1



What successful teaching method did Jesus use?

HIMSELF THE



ILLUSTRATION



"For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I

have done to you" (John 13:15).

Teachers should be living illustrations of what they profess. If

Jesus had not united words with life, He would not have been

long remembered. "What He taught, He lived.... Thus in His life,

Christ's words had perfect illustration and support. And more

than this; what He taught, He was. His words were the expres-

sion, not only of His own life experience, but of His own charac-

ter. Not only did He teach the truth, but He was the truth. It was

this that gave His teaching

power."—Education,

pp. 78, 79.

Truth is more than a system of belief. It is the basis of a way of

life and can be understood only through demonstration. This

demonstration makes Christianity's principles convincing.

"Christ came to demonstrate the value of the divine principles

by revealing their power for the regeneration of humanity. He

came to teach how these principles are to be developed and

applied."—Education,

p. 77.

As the modern followers of Jesus fulfill the gospel commis-

sion, what principles should guide their witness?

"We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through

the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the

testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as

we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine.

Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experi-

ence differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our

praise shall ascend to Him, marked with our own individuality.

These precious acknowledgements to the praise of the glory of

His grace, when supported by a Christlike life, have an irresist-

ible power that works for the salvation of souls."—The

Ministry

of Healing,

p. 100.



THINK IT THROUGH



Am I hastening or delaying the return of Jesus by the man-

ner in which I demonstrate the principles of Christ's life?

"Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of

Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be

perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim

them as His

own."—Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 69.



FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 22, 23.



Model Teacher



LESSON 8



❑

Monday

May 16



Part 2



What occasion illustrates our Lord's continual concern for

EACH PERSON the individual and his special needs?

IMPORTANT

"When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to

him, 'Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay

at your house today' " (Luke 19:5 RSV).

Jesus related to His followers in a manner much different

from that of many teachers since—He was interested in the

personal life and needs of each person who showed the

slightest interest in His message. Some, like Zacchaeus, have

been unable to meet at the usual gathering places, such as the

church or schools, because of geographical, social, or

economic problems. Many are passed by because they are timid

or lacking in self-respect. Jesus sought out men and women

one by one, and they responded to this personal consideration.

There is always the tendency for men and women to do Chris-

tian work "wholesale"; it is easier to lecture to a large group

than to encourage dialogue and feedback. "Retailing" the mes-

sage to people, one by one, is more difficult; but it is the surest

way to determine whether any learning is done.

"Everywhere there is a tendency to substitute the work of

organizations for individual effort. Human wisdom tends to

consolidation, to centralization, to the building up of great

churches and institutions. . . .

"Christ commits to His followers an individual work—a work

that cannot be done by proxy."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 147.

Jesus talked to the multitudes whenever there was an oppor-

tunity, but He got farther with the individual audience. "The

work of Christ was largely composed of personal interviews. He

had a faithful regard for the one-soul audience; and that one

soul has carried to thousands the intelligence received."

—Evangelism,

p. 58.

Even when Jesus talked to the multitudes, each person felt

that he was being addressed personally. "Even the crowd that

so often thronged His steps was not to Christ an indiscriminate

mass of human beings. He spoke directly to every mind and

appealed to every heart. He watched the faces of His hearers,

marked the lighting up of the countenance, the quick, respon-

sive glance, which told that truth had reached the soul."—

Education,

p. 231.



THINK IT THROUGH



Does my witnessing technique attempt to transform the life

more than to indoctrinate the head? In what ways may I need

to change my approach?



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 194, 195.



Model Teacher



LESSON 8



❑

Tuesday

May 17



Part 3



By what steps were John and the other disciples led to

PERSONAL testify of Jesus?

INVOLVEMENT



'WITH THOSE



"The life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it"

HE TAUGHT (1 John 1:2, RSV).

Christ's method of teaching His disciples furnishes us with

the most complete case study of how we should teach anyone

who needs to hear the gospel. "Through personal association

He impressed Himself upon these chosen colaborers. . . .

"Only by such communion—the communion of mind with

mind and heart with heart, of the human with the divine—can be

communicated that vitalizing energy which it is the work of true

education to impart. It is only life that begets

life."—Education,

p. 84.

One of the prerequisites for liking those who need what we

have to teach is to learn all we can about them. The more we

know about the hopes, fears, and burdens of others, the easier it

is to sympathize and identify. That was Christ's way. He knew

what was in man (see John 2:25), not only because He became

man, but also because He studied the needs and interests of His

contemporaries. "He taught in a way that made them feel the

completeness of His identification with their interests and

happiness."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 24.

The story of Peter can be told today only because Jesus never

gave up. Peter had so much to unlearn as well as to understand.

"Patiently, with discriminating love, the Saviour dealt with His

impetuous disciple, seeking to check his self-confidence, and

to teach him humility, obedience, and

trust."—Education,

p. 88.

The secret of great teachers and soul winners is that they

know how to awaken interest and inspire perseverance in indi-

vidual students. Massive supplies of knowledge dispensed

freely does not, in itself, guarantee great teaching or witness-

ing. More than dispensing mere information, Jesus awakened

the hidden potential in individuals, one by one.



THINK IT THROUGH



How can I better awaken excitement for learning the truth?

"In every human being He discerned infinite possibilities. He

saw men as they might be, transfigured by His grace.... Look-

ing upon them with hope, He inspired hope. Meeting them with

confidence, He inspired trust. Revealing in Himself man's true

ideal, He awakened, for its attainment, both desire and

faith."—Education,

p. 80.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 295-297.

Model Teacher

LESSON 8



❑

Wednesday

May 18

68Part 4



What was the dramatic distinctiveness about our Lord's

CONCENTRATED teaching?

ON ESSENTIALS

"They were astonished at his teaching, for his word was

with authority" (Luke 4:32, RSV).

"No man ever spoke like this man!" (John 7:46, RSV).

Jesus had a freshness and power that only personal ex-

perience with the truth could give Him. Truth for Jesus was a

way of life, a life in right relationship with reality, seen and

unseen.

Instead of cold, formal lecturing about what men have said

regarding the great issues of life, Jesus taught His hearers to

behold God "as manifested in His works, in His word, and by

His providences. He brought their minds in contact with the

mind of the infinite."—Education, p. 81.

There is a vast difference in learning what men have said

about God and what God Himself has said. Too many think they

are learned when they know only what men and women have

said about God and life's biggest issues.

Our Lord's secret of power was that ','He said nothing to

gratify curiosity or to stimulate selfish ambition. He did not deal

in abstract theories, but in that which is essential to the de-

velopment of character; that which will enlarge man's capacity

for knowing God, and increase his power to do good. He spoke

of those truths that relate to the conduct of life and that unite

man with eternity."—Education, p. 81.

Another feature of Christ's teaching power was that He did

not minimize the common life and the responsibilities of hum-

ble tasks. "The things of this life He placed in their true relation,

as subordinate to those of eternal interest; but he did not ignore

-their importance."—Education, p. 82.

The fact that He spoke from personal experience, and not

from secondhand knowledge gained through studying the

opinions of men, gave Jesus a special ring of authority. The

learned men of His day spoke with scholarly doubt and hesita-

tion; but Jesus knew God and the Scriptures by His own in-

volvement and thus possessed a certainty of the divine origin of

the Bible.

THINK IT THROUGH

How can I speak with greater convincing power and author-

ity regarding truth and duty so that others find reason to

believe also?

Jesus developed confidence and insight regarding truth. He

is the pattern for all His followers. Through faith, truth can

become a reality for all.

FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 461, 462.

Model Teacher

LESSON 8



❑

Thursday

May 19

Part 5



In what capacity did Jesus connect Himself with His disci-

MODEL METHODS-1 ples?

THINK IT THROUGH

"You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I

am" (John 13:13, RSV).

If there was no learning when Jesus taught, there would have

been no Christian church. The success of making the plan of

salvation known to the world depended on our Lord's effective

teaching methods.

The fact that the high and the low, the scholars and the

unlettered, young and old all heard Him gladly suggests that He

knew the art of adapting His messages to the various needs and

expectations of a great cross section of humanity. The great

secret of successful disciple makers is their versatility. Without

it, even a very learned person is terribly limited.

"His [our Lord's] messages of mercy were varied to suit His

audience. . . .

" ... The most highly educated were charmed with His words,

and the uneducated were always profited. He had a message for

the illiterate; and He made even the heathen to understand that

He had a message for them."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 254.

A hallmark of Christ's teaching methods was His effective use

of parables whereby He awakened incruiry. "He sought to

arouse the careless, and impress truth upon the heart. Parable

teaching was popular, and commanded the respect and atten-

tion, not only of the Jews, but of the people of other nations. No

more effective method of instruction could He have

employed."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

pp. 20, 21.

In using parables He was able to draw lessons from all walks

of life, thus capturing the interest of many different kinds of

hearers. Illustrations from nature also provided a fresh avenue

to learning. In His day as well as ours "too often the minds of

students are occupied with men's theories and speculations,

falsely called science and philosophy.... Let everything which

their eyes see or their hands handle be made a lesson in charac-

ter building."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 25.

Illustrations for Christ were not merely attention devices but

also essential steps in the learning process: "The unknown was

illustrated by the known; divine truths by earthly things with

which the people were most familiar."—Christ's

Object Les-

sons,

p. 17.

In what ways can I lead others across the bridge from the

known to the unknown?

FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"Teaching in Parables," pp. 17-27.

Model Teacher

LESSON 8



❑

Friday

May 20

Part 6

MODEL METHODS-2

THINK IT THROUGH

What experience, among others, suggests that Jesus'

method of teaching had great public appeal?

"And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him

to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

and saw two ships standing by the lake" (Luke 5:1, 2).

An essential feature of an effective disciple maker is his voice.

The best of presentations can be adversely received and often

rejected because the voice is offensive to the hearer. "The

ability to speak plainly and clearly, in full, round tones, is invalu-

able in any line of work. . . . The truth must not be marred by

being communicated through defective utterance."—

Evangelism,

p. 665.

Ellen White learned that loud, rapid talking, with the voice

raised to an unnatural pitch, is not the way to represent our

Lord. "Christ was presented before me, and His manner of

talking; and there was a sweet melody in His voice. His voice, in

a slow, calm manner, reached those who listened, and His

words penetrated their hearts, and they were able to catch on to

what He said before the next sentence was spoken. Some seem

to think they must race right straight along or else they will lose

the inspiration and the people will lose the inspiration. If that is

inspiration, let them lose it, and the sooner the better."—

Evangelism,

p. 670.

A teacher's skill is also measured by his directness and

simplicity. "In Christ's teaching there is no long, far-fetched,

complicated reasoning. He comes right to the point."—

Evangelism,

p. 171.

The manner in which truth is given is just as important as the

content. "Jesus uttered truth in a plain, direct manner, giving

vital force and impressiveness to all His utterances."—

Evangelism,

p. 56.

Although Jesus knew that He spoke truth and that the well-

being of His hearers depended upon accepting and assimilating

His principles into their lives, He never coerced or intimidated

people into obedience. Think of His patience with Judas. In the

end, it was Judas who had to make up his own mind.

As I represent Jesus and pass on the good news of His

kingdom, what crude mannerisms of speech, dress, or lan-

guage do I retain that depreciate the quality of truth?

FURTHER STUDY



Education,

pp. 230, 231.

LESSON 9 May 22 - 28

Model of

Sociableness

"Jesus increased in wisdom and

stature, and in favour with God and

man" (Luke 2:52).

Somehow through the centuries an

unfortunate falsehood has infiltrated

the Christian church. It rears its

perverse head enough to confuse

serious people who indeed want to

follow in the footsteps of their Master.

The perversity: that religion made

Jesus gloomy.

Although there is no place in the

serious Christian's life for frivolity and

silly laughter, no one in the world has a

better right to be cheerful and to enjoy

innocent laughter. There is something

very chilling about people who do not

smile easily or who do not see the

humor in their own mistakes.

People are repelled by those who

have no sense of humor; Jesus was not

repulsive to anyone.

fact, there was

probably no one in all Palestine who

had a more varied list of friends. Think

of the scholar Nicodemus, the ruler of

the synagogue, the Roman centurion,

the Pharisees who sought His

company, the fishermen who became

His disciples, the publicans and

prostitutes who found hope and

self-respect through Him.

He attracted the high and low

because He was "highly social."

"Christ carried out in His life His own

divine teachings. His zeal never led

Him to become passionate. He

manifested consistency without

obstinacy, benevolence without

weakness, tenderness and sympathy

without sentimentalism. He was

highly social; yet He possessed a

reserved dignity that did not

encourage undue familiarity. His

temperance never led to bigotry or

austerity. He was not conformed to

this world; yet He was not indifferent

to the wants of the least among men.

He was awake to the needs of

all."—Evangelism, p.

636.

Think of the children who ran to His

waiting arms. Children do not

spontaneously gather around a

grouch. Their instincts cut through

pomp and phoniness; they

recognized this cheerful Man as their

friend.

In fact, He said that His followers

must become as little children if they

were to be fit to join His eternal

kingdom—unaffected, joyous,

trusting, laughing children!

Think of the verbal sparring

between Jesus and those who were

out to trap Him. How satisfying it must

have been to all concerned to see the

The ministry of Jesus was persua-

sive because He broke through so-

cial barriers and loved people of all

walks of life where they were—an

example of sociability.

carefully baited questions of the

scribes and Pharisees returned as

boomerangs by the insight of Jesus.

Something terrible happened to the

Christian church when the character

of Jesus was turned upside-down. To

prove their spirituality, men and

women hid themselves in monasteries

and convents, sat on poles for years,

beat themselves with whips, and wore

the most uncomfortable clothing.

Christianity was associated with

gloomy, forbidding attitudes.

Such perversion was .a ph enomenon

of the Dark Ages—an apt description;

but even today many have not caught a

vision of the real Jesus, our model of

how to relate to others. "There are

persons with a diseased imagination to

whom religion is a tyrant, ruling them

as with a rod of iron. Such are

constantly mourning over their

depravity and groaning over supposed

evil. Love does not exist in their

hearts; a frown is ever upon their

countenances. They are chilled by the

innocent laugh from the youth or from

anyone. They consider all recreation

or amusement a sin and think that the

mind must be constantly wrought up

to just such a stern, severe pitch."—

Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 565.

This week's lesson will focus on our

Lord's highly social nature that

opened doors everywhere. Nothing

else substitutes for the winsome

person showing the world that

Christianity brings cheer, joy, and

perceptive friendships.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

joy at the Wedding

(John 2:1, 2)

Thirst for Recognition

(John 4:32, 34)

An Interesting List of Friends

(Luke 5:29)

Shared the Sorrows of His Friends

(John 11:35)

Searching Admonitions-1

(Matt. 5:13)

Searching Admonitions-2

(Matt. 5:14)

Model of Sociableness

LESSON 9



❑

Sunday

May 22



Part 1



What social event did Jesus attend?

JOY AT THE



WEDDING



"There was a marriage at Cana in Galilee ... ; Jesus also

was invited to the marriage" (John 2:1, 2, RSV).

In spite of the distortions that have accumulated over the

years regarding our Lord, He was indeed a highly social person,

one that others wanted in their presence. They would not have

wanted Him around if He were not a great contributor to the joy

and pleasantness that men and women crave.

By His first miracle the proud parents of the bride were saved

from great embarrassment. For months, perhaps years, the

family had sacrificed, cutting living expenses to the minimum,

saving for that one social event in their family's life. But, unfore-

seen, the refreshments were depleted, and the dreams of the

happy parents crashed. But Mary leaned over to her Son, to that

one Person who always seemed to know what to do, and whis-

pered, "Son, the wine is gone." Sensitive, perceptive Jesus! "At

a household gathering in a little Galilean village His power was

put forth to add to the joy of a wedding feast. Thus He showed

His sympathy with men, and His desire to minister to their

happiness."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 144.

Do you think that there is a connection between this wed-

ding miracle and His life theme: "I am come that they might

have life, ... more abundantly" (John 10:10)?

It was not a great sermon by which Jesus set the pattern of

three years to follow. Nor was it a loving touch of His healing

hand. Rather it was the glorious intervention of a Man who tried

to show God's attitude toward life's happy moments. He saved a

family from embarrassment and a wedding reception from

breaking up. Could you imagine that He did it with a stern face

or a superior air of condescension?



THINK IT THROUGH



What special God-man characteristic do you see revealed

in our Lord's participation at the wedding feast?

"Jesus began the work of reformation by coming into close

sympathy with humanity. . . .

"Jesus reproved self-indulgence in all its forms, yet He was

social in His nature. He accepted the hospitality of all classes....

He gave no license to dissipation, and no shadow of worldly

levity marred His conduct; yet He found pleasure in scenes of

innocent happiness, and by His presence sanctioned the social

gathering."—The Desire of Ages,

pp. 150, 151.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 144-153.

Model of Sociableness

LESSON 9



❑

Monday

May 23



Part 2



How important to Jesus was doing God's work for people?

THIRST FOR



RECOGNITION



"He said to them, 'I have food to eat of which you do not

know.... My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to

accomplish his work" (John 4:32-34, RSV).

Meeting the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well revealed many

beautiful aspects of our Lord's humanity. The human inter-

change was not merely one-way. Jesus was hungry, thirsty, and

bone-weary. The water was near but inaccessible without a rope

and a jar. Jesus needed what the Samaritan woman could give

Him, and she needed what Jesus could give her—more than she

ever dreamed.

The exchange was more than mechanical courtesy. Jesus

could never do anything halfway or impersonally. He came

through to the woman as a very special kind of man—a gentle-

man, a tactful, considerate human being. As Jesus saw that she

appreciated His spiritual probing, He felt the freedom of open-

ing up her human potential. He rejoiced in her frankness and in

seeing her take the first sips of the water of life.

When the disciples returned from the village with the noon-

day lunch, they were surprised with their Master's verve and

happy contentment. What had made the difference, especially

without food? Jesus had eaten the food of doing God's work,

and a needy human being had responded to His invitation to

salvation. (See

The Desire of Ages,

p. 191.)

"Our Redeemer thirsts for recognition. He hungers for the

sympathy and love of those whom He has purchased with His

own blood."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 191.

What other occasions provided Jesus with spiritual and

social satisfactions? Luke 10:38-42.

To the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, Jesus often re-

turned, not only to provide spiritual growth but to be nurtured

socially by these wonderful people.

"At the home of Lazarus, Jesus had often found rest. The

Saviour had no home of His own; He was dependent on the

hospitality of His friends and disciples, and often, when weary,

thirsting for human fellowship, He had been glad to escape to

this peaceful household . . . .

"Our Saviour appreciated a quiet home and interested listen-

ers. He longed for human tenderness, courtesy, and

affection."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 524.



THINK IT THROUGH



While I try to fill the social needs of those around me, how

can I fulfill my social needs in harmony with Jesus' example?



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 190, 191.

Model of Sociableness

LESSON 9



❑

Tuesday

May 24

Part 3

AN INTERESTING

LIST OF FRIENDS

THINK IT THROUGH

What social occasion demonstrated our Lord's ability to mix

with social classes other than His own?

"Levi made him a great feast in his house; and there was a

large company of tax collectors and others sitting at table with

them" (Luke 5:29, RSV).

Perhaps Jesus had the most varied and most interesting list of

friends in all Palestine. It seemed that everyone was stimulated

by His presence and conversation, even the Pharisees and

scribes who were immensely jealous of Him.

Sneering as they spoke, the Pharisees derided the disciples

for Christ's hearty social life, comparing Jesus with John the

Baptist. But our Lord's reply showed again His joyful heart:

"Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is

with them?" (Luke 5:34, RSV). Bridegrooms are not known for

their sadness or gloomy looks. By life and words He was telling

the world that the kingdom of God belongs to the radiant-

hearted.

Although John the Baptist had his very special mission, "the

austerity and isolation of his life were not an example for the

people."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 150.

Jesus made it very clear that the badge of Christianity is that

of the social witness, not that of the ascetic. How tragically the

Christian church for centuries perverted the principle of love

and service! They emphasized the hermit principle, and cast a

cloud over the happy, involved spirit. They made self-imposed

discomfort and personal misery the proof of spirituality.

How energetic is my outreach to people, especially when I

note that it is through the social relations that Jesus dem-

onstrated what Christianity is all about?

"It is through the social relations that Christianity comes in

contact with the world. Every man or woman who has received

the divine illumination is to shed light on the dark pathway of

those who are unacquainted with the better way. Social power,

sanctified by the Spirit of Christ, must be improved in bringing

souls to the Saviour. Christ is not to be hid away in the heart as a

coveted treasure, sacred and sweet, to be enjoyed solely by the

possessor. We are to have Christ in us as a well of water,

springing up into everlasting life, refreshing all who come in

contact with us."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 496.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

p. 277.

Model of Sociableness

LESSON 9



❑

Wednesday

May 25

Part 4

SHARED THE

SORROWS OF

HIS FRIENDS

What incident illustrated our Lord's identification with the

heartaches of His friends?

"Jesus wept" (John 11:35).

Jesus possessed an inner joythat radiated gladness wherever

He went. That does not mean that He always found something to

laugh about. A perpetual smile is totally unrealistic in this world

of misery and heartbreak. There are times when someone else's

sorrows are too much and the true friend weeps. Friends can be

made over common pleasures and interests; but the deepest,

closest friends are those who have cried together.

Lazarus was a special friend of Jesus, perhaps in a different

and closer relationship than any of the Twelve. To learn of his

death and the despair of his sisters touched Jesus deeply. He

not only identified with their sorrow, but also with every person

who has seen his loved ones slip into death.

He felt the human hurt caused by death. "In view of this

human distress, and of the fact that the afflicted friends could

mourn over the dead while the Saviour of the world stood

by—`Jesus wept.' Though He was the Son of God, yet He had

taken human nature upon Him, and He was moved by human

sorrow. His tender, pitying heart is ever awakened to sympathy

by suffering. He weeps with those that weep, and rejoices with

those that rejoice."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 533.

How did Jesus relate to the imprisonment of John the Bap-

tist? Matt. 11:4-9.

"The Saviour's heart went out in sympathy to the faithful

witness now buried in Herod's dungeon. He would not leave the

people to conclude that God had forsaken John, or that his faith

had failed in the day of trial."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 218.



THINK IT THROUGH



What kind of friend am I when my friends are dying or when

they have lost loved ones? To the elderly and friendless?

There is a difference

between

mechanically repeating Bible

promises to a soul whose heart is aching and sharing the human

hurt as Jesus did. Knowing that a friend truly cares when the

heart is heavy is perhaps the greatest therapy that a sorrowing

person can receive. This caring can be shown in many ways,

such as staying the night while the bereaved sleep, arranging

meals, and answering the phone. The need is more often for

quiet companionship than for conversation.



FURTHER STUDY



Selected Messages,

bk. 2, pp. 272, 273.

Model of Sociableness

LESSON 9



❑

Thursday

May 26



Part 5



What penetrating analogy helps us to understand our social

SEARCHING mission?

ADMONITIONS-1

"Ye are the salt of the earth" (Matt. 5:13).

From earliest times salt has been used as a food preservative;

for the want of salt wars have been fought. In fact, salt was one

of the chief economic products of the ancient world; many of

the great highways of antiquity were built so that salt could be

made available to the cities.

Salt was so scarce, even in the time of Christ, that it was used

as money. Part of the wage of the Roman soldier was paid in

salt; in Latin, this payment of salt was called

salarium;

hence,

our English word, salary. When it is said that a person is "not

worth his salt," we conclude that he or she is not earning his

salary.

Jesus selected His analogy well, for salt is an indispensable

commodity. The spiritual lesson is obvious: Without the Chris-

tian in the world, corruption would be complete. "Were those

who served God removed from the earth, and His Spirit with-

drawn from among men, this world would be left to desolation

and destruction, the fruit of Satan's dominion. Though the

wicked know it not, they owe even the blessings of this life to the

presence, in the world, of. God's people whom they despise and

oppress. But if Christians are such in name only, they are like

the salt that has lost its savor. They have no influence for good in

the world. Through their misrepresentation of God they are

worse than unbelievers."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 306.

When Jesus compared His people with salt, He taught a prin-

ciple opposite to the hermit principle, that monstrous perver-

sion of His way of life. "When God calls His children salt, He

would teach them that His purpose in making them the subjects

of His grace is that they may become agents in saving others.

The object of God in choosing a people before all the world was

not only that He might adopt them as His sons and daughters,

but that through them the world might receive the grace that

bringeth salvation. Titus 2:11. . . .

"Salt must be mingled with the substance to which it is

added; it must penetrate and infuse in order to preserve. So it is

through personal contact and association that men are reached

by the saving power of the gospel."—

Thoughts From the Mount

of Blessing,

pp. 35, 36.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

p. 439.

Model of Sociableness

LESSON 9



❑

Friday

May 27

Part 6



What phenomenon did Jesus use to describe the power and

SEARCHING blessing of the genuine Christian?

ADMONITIONS-2

"Ye are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14).

THINK IT THROUGH

Light is a necessity of our existence. Without it there would be

no life on this planet. Even in modern technology light has some

very useful applications. For example, since the discovery of the

laser, a device to increase light intensity, a whole new world of

technology has been made possible in medicine, communica-

tion, and other fields.

But if light is to be useful, it has to be uncovered and permit-

ted to shine. Furthermore, light comes from a source of energy;

it is not self-generating. God makes Himself responsible for the

existence of light—His first act of creation. (See Gen. 1:3.)

The sad fact about human history is that although man did not

originate light, he is able to keep it from shining—at least for a

time. Ultimately, light will destroy the darkness; light has a way

of filtering through all the barriers men and women erect. No

matter how dark the room, it takes only the smallest crack and a

wisp of light for a person with normal vision to detect it.

Jesus compares His people to light; they are to make the

difference between life and death in the lives of others; they are

instruments of great power; they are healing agents in a very

sick, sad world.

"Jesus did not bid the disciples, 'Strive to

make

your light

shine;' He said,

'Let

it shine.' If Christ is dwelling in the heart, it is

impossible to conceal the light of His presence. If those who

profess to be followers of Christ are not the light of the world, it

is because the vital power has left them; if they have no light to

give, it is because they have no connection with the Source of

light."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

p. 41.

What connection exists between being the light of the world

and hastening the advent?

FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"To Meet the Bridegroom," pp.

414-421.

LESSON 10 May 29 - June 4

Model of Faith

"Whatsoever is born of God

overcometh the world: and this is the

victory (hat overcometh the world,

even our faith" (1 John 5:4).

No greater commendation can be

given anyone than to have God say:

"Here are they that keep the

commandments of God, and the faith

of Jesus" (Rev. 14:12). Men and

women so described are no longer

rebels; they are comfortable with

God's way of life and delight to do His

will. Their friends know them as

generous and forbearing

well as

firm and disciplined; their names

stand for devotion to God,

unselfishness, integrity, and

reliability.

But without genuine faith there will

be no commendation, no character

witness, and no hastening of the

advent.

Faith is the key not only to

knowledge about God but to fulfilling

the will of God. Faith is the key to

becoming the kind of person whose

life imitates that of Jesus.

Such faith is more than a train of

ideas in the head; it is a disposition of

the heart. Genuine faith sees Jesus not

only as the perfect God clothed with

human flesh, but also as a child of

humanity who "partook of the same

nature" with us and "had to be made

like his brethren in every respect"

(Heb. 2:14, 17, RSV).

Genuine faith sees Jesus not only as

the Lord of heaven but as

his

Lord and

his

personal Saviour and

his

model of

faith. Men and women of faith see

Jesus as God's example of what He

wants them to be, not only to please

Him but so that such Christlike

characteristics as joy, health, integrity

may be theirs here and now. Jesus

becomes more than a lonely figure

"on a hill far away"; He becomes a

living, personal Friend who not only

demonstrated what men and women

can become but proves Himself able

to "save his people from their sins"

(Matt. 1:21) here and now.

Men and women watch Jesus saying

Yes to His heavenly Father; they see

Him act in harmony with the truths He

believes; they see His restful look into

the future even when the human eye

can see only disappointment. In each

of these ways He is their model.

Someday the last generation of

God's people (those who "keep the

commandments of God, and the faith

of Jesus") will demonstrate that •

biblical faith is more than a

high-sounding, emotionally packed •

word. They will declare in a clear,

undeniable life-style that faith is not

only an important element in the

Christian character but the

all-embracing factor that separates

nominal church members from

genuine Christians. Faith

distinguishes the wise from the foolish

virgins, the lazy from the diligent

servant, and the sheep from the goats.

(See Matthew 25.)

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

When Life Tumbles In

(Luke 8:24, 25)

Wrought by Prayer

(Luke 11:1)

Faith Recognizes Faith

(Mark 5:34)

It Is Finished

(John 19:30)

Grounded in Scripture

(Matt. 4:4)

The Channel of God's Power

(John 11:41)

Faith is the key to becoming the kind

of person whose life reflects the life

of Jesus; as we know Him better, we

will become more like Him.



Model of Faith



LESSON 10



Sunday

❑

May 29



Part 1



What terrifying experience became an opportunity for

WHEN LIFE Jesus to teach a lesson in genuine faith?

TUMBLES IN

"Master, we perish.... And he said unto them, Where is your

faith?" (Luke 8:24, 25).

The disciples were desperate as their Lord slept. Their best

efforts seemed hopeless; their boat tossed like a cork on the

turbulent Sea of Galilee. Awakened by their cry of panic, Jesus

stood in that tossing boat, raised His hand to the angry sea, and

commanded peace.

Although they expressed their gratitude and praise to Jesus, it

was evident that He was interested in something far more im-

portant: "Where is your faith?" Jesus, as a man among men,

was making a very important point to those journeying with

Him. He had rested in the stern of the boat, wrapped in peace,

without a trace of fear in His heart. But His peace rested in

faith—the same faith that all men may experience when they

trust in their heavenly Father's love and power.

The power that stilled the storm was not His own, but that of

His Father in heaven. How He reacted to peril was the way all

men may face difficulties—that way is the natural outworking of

the life of faith.

"As Jesus rested by faith in the Father's care, so we are to rest

in the care of our Saviour. If the disciples had trusted in Him,

they would have been kept in peace....

" ... Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life,

and will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows to be

best."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 336.

He still reassures men and women when they fear that they

cannot be like Him. Any self-serving excuse that we cannot be

"like Him" this side of the resurrection receives His rebuke.

Such strange defeatism places a low estimate on His grace, a

low expectation on what He can do for His friends. If His grace

and example are to mean anything, He expects us to develop

lives of strength and victory, and not to spend the rest of our

lives in some kind of pious apology for failing to do what He says

can be done.

"Where is your faith?" This is the question that Jesus asks

those who are expecting the advent. Out of that group who

talk

about being ready, there will be a smaller group who will under-

stand our Lord's question and will possess His faith.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 334-336.



Model of Faith



LESSON 10



❑

Monday

May 30



Part 2



"As he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one

WROUGHT of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke

BY PRAYER 11:1).

"It was in hours of solitary prayer that Jesus in His earth life

received wisdom and power. Let the youth follow His example in

finding at dawn and twilight a quiet season for communion with

their Father in

heaven."—Education,

p. 259.

How necessary was prayer in our Lord's life? John 5:19.

Jesus overcame temptation, not by an inherent power pos-

sessed only by Him and not available to any other human being,

but by the continual grace given to Him from heaven.

"To the consecrated worker there is wonderful consolation in

the knowledge that even Christ during His life on earth sought

His Father daily for fresh supplies of needed grace; and from

this communion with God He went forth to strengthen and bless

others. Behold the Son of God bowed in prayer to His Father!

Though He is the Son of God, He strengthens His faith by prayer,

and by communion with heaven gathers to Himself power to

resist evil and to minister to the needs of men. . . His own

example is an assurance that earnest, persevering supplication

to God in faith—faith that leads to entire dependence upon God,

and unreserved consecration to His work—will avail to bring to

men the Holy Spirit's aid in the battle against sin."—The

Acts of

the Apostles,

p. 56.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what respects am I making my faith stronger and more

pure through my prayer life?

Prayer isthe channel through which we see God's plans for us

daily; this is more than a textbook understanding that the mind

alone knows. The reality of God's presence comes through

prayer; and "as a shield from temptation and an inspiration to

purity and truth, no other influence can equal the sense of God's

presence."—Education, p. 255.

Faith feeds on prayer, and prayer is made possible by faith.

"Prayer is a necessity; for it is the life of the

soul."—Education,

p. 258.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 362, 363.



Model of Faith



LESSON 10



❑

Tuesday

May 31



Part 3



What passing incident became an opportunity for Jesus to

FAITH recognize and honor genuine faith?

RECOGNIZES



FAITH



"Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and

be healed of your disease" (Mark 5:34, RSV).

Out of the crowd one day a weary, suffering woman reached

her hand. She had spent all her means upon physicians and

medicines. However, this woman was different from most

others; she did not capitulate to circumstances but tried her

best to remain in charge of her life. In her heart she had re-

sponded to what she knew about Jesus; and now, this day, she

wanted no more than the opportunity to touch His garment.

But "in that one touch was concentrated the faith of her life,

and instantly her pain and feebleness gave place to the vigor of

perfect health."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 343.

The fact that a woman was healed was good news, but Jesus

was concerned about something even more important. He

wanted everyone to learn a lesson of faith, both the woman and

the crowd. "The Saviour could distinguish the touch of faith

from the casual contact of the careless throng"

(The Desire of

Ages,

p. 344), and He wanted all who saw the cure to know how it

happened—by faith and not by superstitious touch.

The touch of faith not only heals the body but also makes

possible a whole new emotional pattern and mental outlook.

The touch of faith kept Jesus Himself alert, fresh, patient, and

vigorous—and so it will be for those who follow His example.

Even as He trusted His heavenly Father for daily strength, so we

all must discover the ennobling power of living faith.



THINK IT THROUGH



What practical difference is there between belief and faith?

What makes a religious experience saving?

"To talk of religion in a casual way, to pray without soul

hunger and living faith, avails nothing. A nominal faith in Christ,

which accepts Him merely as the Saviour of the world, can never

bring healing to the soul. The faith that is unto salvation is not a

mere intellectual assent to the truth.... The only faith that will

benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour;

which appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many hold faith as

an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who

receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God.

Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a

confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering

power."—

The Desire of Ages,

p. 347.



FURTHER STUDY



The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 59-62.



Model of Faith



LESSON 10



❑

Wednesday

June 1



Part 4



"He said, 'It is finished' " (John 19:30).

IT IS FINISHED

What do you think had been "finished" when Jesus died on

the cross?

Within the terrible darkness that shrouded Calvary, Jesus

showed the universe how unbowed and undefeated a human

being can be when all the evidence shouts the contrary. He had

no visible reasons for encouragement and was bereft of evi-

dence that His life had been a success. Such is the marvelous

power of living faith.

No other person will be asked to carry a burden as Jesus did

through Gethsemane and on the cross. However, many will

bear

seemi

ng defeat in the face of death—for all practical purposes,

failure. Our Lord's conquering faith made all the difference in

His life, and only by that same faith will hard-pressed men and.

women conquer. (See Rev. 3:21.)

"In those dreadful hours He had relied upon the evidence of

His Father's acceptance heretofore given Him. He was 'ac-

quainted with the character of His Father; He understood His

justice, His mercy, and His great love. By faith He rested in Him

whom it had ever been His joy to obey. And as in submission He

committed Himself to God, the sense of the loss of His Father's

favor was withdrawn. By faith, Christ was victor."—The

Desire

of Ages,

p. 756.

The cross ended Satan's claim to leadership in the eyes of the

unfallen worlds and loyal angels. It summed tip a remarkable life

that Satan said could not be lived on this earth; that life proved

that God still reigned, that His love and grace were sufficient to

keep a committed person from falling into sin.

"By His life and His death, Christ proved that God's justice did

not destroy His mercy, but that sin could be forgiven, and that

the law is righteous, and can be perfectly obeyed. Satan's

charges were refuted."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 762.



THINK IT

IT THROUGH



In what way is our Lord's victory of faith relevant to me?

Jesus was victorious because He was a man of faith. "Could

one sin have been found in Christ, had He in one particular

yielded to Satan to escape the terrible torture, the enemy of God

and man would have triumphed. Christ bowed His head and

died, but He held fast His faith and His submission to God."—

The Desire of Ages,

p. 761.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 758-764.

Model of Faith

LESSON 10



❑

Thursday

June 2

Part 5

GROUNDED IN

SCRIPTURE

What experience of Jesus assures us that faith is built on a

person's grasp of Holy Scripture?

"He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by

bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the

mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4).

"Faith claims God's promises, and brings forth fruit in obedi-

ence.... Genuine faith has its foundations in the promises and

provisions of the Scriptures."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 126.

In the wilderness experience Jesus revealed His source of

trust and strength. From His earliest years the Bible had become

a personal voice to Him, assuring Him that the God of Abraham,

Isaac, and Jacob was His personal Friend also. "When we learn

the power of His word, we shall not follow the suggestions of

Satan in order to obtain food or to save our lives. Our only

questions will be, What is God's command? and what His prom-

ise? Knowing these, we shall obey the one, and trust the

other."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 121.

There is power in the Word of God. By accepting and as-

similating the principles of the Bible we are reaching out to

claim the power of God even as did the sick woman in the noisy

crowd.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what respect will last-day Christians go through an ex-

perience similar to our Lord's wilderness trial?

"Those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God

will be opposed and derided. They can stand only in God. In

order to endure the trial before them, they must understand the

will of God as revealed in His word; they can honor Him only as

they have a right conception of His character, government, and

purposes, and act in accordance with them. None but those

who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand

through the last great conflict."—The

Great Controversy,

pp.

593, 594.

"In order to have true, abiding faith in Christ, we must know

Him as He is represented in the word. Faith is trustful. It is not a

matter of fits and starts, according to the impulse and emotion

of the hour; but it is a principle that has its foundation in Jesus

Christ. And faith must be kept in constant exercise through the

diligent, persevering study of the word."

—Fundamentals of

Christian Education,

p. 433.



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 597-602.

Model of Faith

Part 6

THE CHANNEL

OF GOD'S POWER

LESSON 10

❑

Friday

June 3

What indication do we have that Jesus utilized no other

power on earth except that of faith when He performed mira-

cles?

THINK IT THROUGH

"Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me" (John 11:41).

Read verses 41-44.

In the raising of Lazarus, Jesus demonstrated that He was

acting in cooperation with His heavenly Father. He supplied the

faith, and the Father supplied the power. "Ever He had been

careful to make it evident that He did not work independently; it

was by faith and prayer that He wrought His miracles."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 536.

When Jesus depicted the beautiful analogy of the vine and its

branches, He was emphasizing the vital necessity of a living

connection between disciple and Lord. In

The Desire of Ages,

pages 674, 675 it is observed that He was also stating that as the

vine does not stand alone as the oak but needs a trellis for

support, so He "in His humanity was dependent upon divine

power. 'I can of Mine own self do nothing,' He declared. John

5:30."

How did Jesus compare His works with those His followers

would be able to do? John 14:12, 13.

"God was manifested in Him that He might be manifested in

them. Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers,

that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect human-

ity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in

subjection to God as He was.

" . . . All who will go to work, trusting not in what they

themselves can do, but in what God can do for and through

them, will certainly realize the fulfillment of His promise.

'Greater works than these shall he do.'

"—The Desire of Ages,

pp. 664, 667.

If Christ's faith is to be ours, what keeps me from reaching

this possibility?

"As the Son of God lived by faith in the Father, so are we to live

by faith in Christ. So fully was Jesus surrendered to the will of

God that the Father alone appeared in His life. Although

tempted in all points like as we are, He stood before the world

untainted by the evil that surrounded Him. Thus we also are to

overcome as Christ overcame."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 389.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 388-391.

LESSON 11 June 5 - 11

Model of Humility

Jesus demonstrated, by stooping

down to serve others, that humility is

not a product of weakness, but of

love.

"The fear of the Lord is instruction in

wisdom, and humility goes before

honor."

Prov. 15:33, RSV.

Our Lord Jesus was the model of

humility. By instruction and example

He demonstrated the strength and

dignity of humility.

But the unconverted person will not

see dignity, strength, or power in

ht.

humility. To the contrary, he will

equate humility with weakness. Force,

prestige, fame, and material

possessions are the elements that

people seek when they crave honor.

But how fleeting are such values, how

truly empty!

The essence of humility is an honest

awareness of reality. The person who

realizes his insufficiencies while not

aware of God's willingness to supply

every need is not humble; he is merely

insecure and fearful. But the person

who is aware of his inadequacies and

has learned to trust the Lord

for his needs—and who acts

accordingly—will always be a truly

humble person.

"When we have true humility, we

have victory. The enemy never can

take out of the hand of Christ the one

who is simply trusting in His promises.

If the soul is trusting, and working

obediently, the mind is susceptible to

divine impressions, and the light of

God shines in, enlightening the

understanding. What privileges we

have in Christ Jesus!"—Ellen G. White

Comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol.

7, p. 959.

In the lesson this week we shall not

only study Jesus as the model of

humility, but shall point out some of

the characteristics of false humility. A

whining tone, a self-deprecating

spirit, a shunning of responsibility—all

indicate that a person has

misunderstood the character of Jesus

and the joy of living life fully, to the

brim.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Who Is the Greatest?-1

(Matt. 18:1)

Who Is the Greatest?-2

(Matt. 18:4)

Not With Outward Show

(Luke 17:20)

Came to Serve

(Matt. 20:28)

Given You an Example

(John 13:15)

Happy Are Ye (John 13:17)

Model of Humility

LESSON 11



❑

Sunday

June 5



Part 1



What question penetrates to the heart of the "great con-

WHO IS THE troversy"?

GREATEST?-1

"The disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who is the greatest

in the kingdom of heaven?' " (Matt. 18:1, RSV).

The days of Christ's ministry were drawing to a close, the

shadows of intrigue and doom were settling in. The disciples

misread the signals that Jesus was giving them, thinking that He

was about ready to set up His earthly kingdom. Their concern,

not for their Master's mission, but for their own honor led them

to argue among themselves over who was best qualified for the

various offices that would be needed. (See Luke 9:46.)

Surely it was disappointing to Jesus to note that the disciples,

at this late date, did not understand the.nature of His kingdom.

His answer was that of a great teacher knowing that his students

were not ready for a theological explanation. A principle, how-

ever, He did make clear; it is the crux of the "great controversy"

and the miserable heart of all human misunderstanding and

grief. (See Mark 9:35.)

"The strife for the highest place was the outworking of that

same spirit which was the beginning of the great controversy in

the worlds above, and which had brought Christ from heaven to

die.... Lucifer desired God's power, but not His character. He

sought for himself the highest place, and every being who is

actuated by his spirit will do the same. Thus alienation, discord,

and strife will be inevitable. Dominion becomes the prize of the

strongest. The kingdom of Satan is a kingdom of force; every

individual regards every other as an obstacle in the way of his

own advancement, or a steppingstone on which he himself may

climb to a higher place."—The

Desire of Ages,

pp. 435, 436.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what way may even church members today use Satan's

methods as they "do the Lord's work"?

"There can be no more conclusive evidence that we possess

the spirit of Satan than the disposition to hurt and destroy those

who do not appreciate our work, or who act contrary to our

ideas."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 487.

"While you are so eagerly striving to be first, remember that

you will be last in the favor of God if you fail to cherish a meek

and lowly spirit. Pride of heart will cause many to fail where they

might have made a

success."—Testimonies,

vol. 5, p. 50.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 435, 436.

Model of Humility

LESSON 11



❑

Monday

June 6



Part



How did our Lord illustrate His answer regarding great-

WHO IS THE ness?

GREATEST?-2

"Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest

in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:4, RSV).

The disciples needed more than instruction regarding the

kingdom of God—they needed "a change of heart that would

bring them into harmony with its principles."—The

Desire of

Ages,

p. 437.

When Jesus used a child as an example of the spirit and

attributes that would characterize those fit for His kingdom, He

took for granted that we would not look at the negative features

of spoiled children. His audience recognized His lesson without

difficulty, and so should we.

What do we see in young children (and older children who

grow up in the fear of God) that makes them so lovable and

irresistible? "The simplicity, the self-forgetfulness, and the con-

fiding love of a little child are the attributes that Heaven values.

These are the characteristics of real greatness."—The

Desire of

Ages,

p. 437.

Another aspect of healthy, properly nurtured children is their

"unreserved obedience"

(Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 125)

springing forth from simple trust in their parents and others.

Their love is pure, without design or measure. "To be great in

God's kingdom is to be a little child in humility, in simplicity of

faith, and in the purity of love. All pride must perish, all jealousy

be overcome, all ambition for supremacy be given up, and the

meekness and trust of the child be

encouraged."—Testimonies,

vol. 5, p. 130.



THINK IT THROUGH



What Bible characters are a model of greatness for us to

emulate faithfully?

"Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men,

Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a

lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most

efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-

operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save

souls. He who feels most deeply his need of divine aid will plead

for it; and the Holy Spirit will give unto him glimpses of Jesus

that will strengthen and uplift the soul."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 436.

The Lord can be truly served only by those who desire first His

character before they want to prove by great feats or heights of

office that they have His power.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 437, 438.

Model of Humility

LESSON 11



❑

Tuesday

June 7

Part 3



How did Jesus indicate the significant difference between

NOT WITH the power of His kingdom and that of worldly enterprises?

OUTWARD SHOW

"The kingdom of God cometh not with outward shew" (Luke

17:20, margin).

The Jewish mind had expected the Messiah to set up a king-

dom that would outshine, outpower, outdazzle that of Rome.

Although Jesus had been saying for three years that His king-

dom would not possess the trappings of earthly power, even at

this late hour His own disciples could not discern a power

principle that would perform its missionwithout worldly pomp.

Only after the resurrection did they begin to understand that

the glory of God is in self-sacrificing love, not in coercive power

or in pomp.

"It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumi-

nation of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of

Christ. The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a

world-loving and compromising Christianity. Not in the ways of

ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of

the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil,

and humiliation, and reproach."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 508.

The kingdom of God and the ways of this world are in direct

confrontation. Humility and self-abnegation are not the

methods by which men and women seek success in business,

politics, or in any other line of work where they want the world's

attention.

"Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not

with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by

earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring

to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in

the receivers the experience of Paul: 'I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me' Gal.

2:20."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 510.

THINK IT THROUGH

FURTHER STUDY

When I want to impress my friends regarding the truths of

my church, what methods do I normally choose?

It is very easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we will

convince worldlings that we have the "truth" if we can impress

them with the physical aspects of the church.

Christ's Object Lessons,

"The Sower Went Forth to Sow," pp.

34-36.

Model of Humility

LESSON 11



❑

Wednesday

June 8



Part 4



In what terse terms did Jesus describe the single object of

CAME TO SERVE His life mission?

"The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to

minister" (Matt. 20:28).

Our Lord's whole life was a living illustration of loving service.

Never before in the history of the world had there been such a

clear example of humble self-sacrifice. But the disciples had not

yet understood, although only a few days separated them from

the crucifixion.

The disciples had learned some of their lessons well, but the

elements needed most were lacking. Position, recognition,

honor still were motivating forces. They were still pressing their

arguments as to who was the greatest; they were using worldly

standards, placing their own estimates upon themselves and

upon one another.

What very ordinary circumstance provided Jesus with His

opportunity to show what godliness is like? John 13:4, 5.

The disciples knew that their feet should be washed after their

dusty journey, but their pride kept them from serving one

another. The action of Jesus opened the eyes of eleven of the

disciples to the greatness of humility.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what subtle ways do I express how proud I am of my

humility?

Humility has become a very elastic word, especially for Chris-

tians. It has been used to cover up sloth and negligence. When a

person avoids responsibility, pleading that others can do the

job better, the deference is often considered as humility. "To be

clothed with humility does not mean that we are to be dwarfs in

intellect, deficient in aspiration, and cowardly in our lives,

shunning burdens lest we fail to carry them successfully. Real

humility fulfills God's purposes by depending upon His

strength."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 363.

Another perversion of humility is to feign humility by masking

pride. Think of the Pharisee and the publican. The Pharisee, and

the Laodicean in every age, look, walk, and pray self-praise,

although clothed with the appearance of humility. But "the lips

may express a poverty of soul that the heart does not acknowl-

edge. While speaking to God of poverty of spirit, the heart may

be swelling with the conceit of its own superior humility and

exalted righteousness."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 159.



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"Two Worshipers," pp. 150-163.

Model of Humility

LESSON 11



❑

Thursday

June 9

Part 5

GIVEN YOU AN

EXAMPLE

How did Jesus link His earthly performance with that ex-

pected of His followers?

"I have given you an example, that you also should do as I

have done to you" (John 13:15, RSV).

Christ made it very clear that washing His disciples' feet did

not detract from His dignity. Humble service, rather than de-

tracting from greatness, actually establishes it. Jesus knew well

how subtle and self-serving the human heart is; He would not

leave His followers to define the meaning of humility. "Christ

Himself set the example of humility. . . .

" ...Jesus was given to stand at the head of humanity, that by

His example He might teach what it means to minister. His

whole life was under a law of service. He served all, ministerd to

all. Thus He lived the law of God, and by His example showed

how we are to obey it."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 649.

He demonstrated that in His kingdom "the principle of prefer-

ence and supremacy has no place. The only greatness is the

greatness of humility."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 650.

Jesus was doing more than demonstrating gracious hospital-

ity when He washed the feet of His companions; He was institut-

ing an ordinance of the Christian church which would be more

than a mere memorial of what He once did.

"This ordinance is Christ's appointed preparation for the

sacramental service. While pride, variance, and strife for

supremacy are cherished, the heart cannot enter into fellowship

with Christ. We are not prepared to receive the communion of

His body and His blood. Therefore it was that Jesus appointed

the memorial of His humiliation to be first observed."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 650



THINK IT THROUGH



In what way do I follow the ordinance of foot washing to

cleanse my soul from all self-exaltation and evil surmising?

One of the greatest services we can do for children is to teach

them that humility is the mark of true greatness.

"One of the characteristics that should be especially

cherished and cultivated in every child is that self-forgetfulness

which imparts to the life such an unconscious grace. . . .

"Children need appreciation, sympathy, and encouragement,

but care should be taken not to foster in them a love of praise....

He who looks higher than himself will be humble; yet he will

possess a dignity that is not abashed or disconcerted by out-

ward display or human greatness."—Education, p. 237.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 642-649.

Model of Humility

LESSON 11



❑

Friday

June 10

Part 6

HAPPY ARE YE

THINK IT THROUGH

After Jesus washed the disciples' feet He said,

"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" (John

13:17).

Can anyone think of better reasons for happiness than to

remember the blessings of the Lord—His forgiveness, His prov-

idences, His promises for the future? Add to these the realiza-

tion that all is well between friends, neighbors, and church

members. Such happiness is grounded on the awareness of

one's own incapacities to do God's will by sheer willpower or to

please Him by human performance alone. The ordinance of foot

washing brings all this into sharp focus. The truly humble can

be the most willing servants of mankind, the most genuine

peacemakers, the clearest reflectors of Christ's happy spirit.

When the Christian leaves the foot-washing service and sits

around the table for the Lord's Supper, it is not a time for

sorrowing, with the record of failure depressing him. "The self-

examination, the confession of sin, the reconciling of differ-

ences, has all been done. Now they come to, meet with Christ.

They are not to stand in the shadow of the cross, but in its saving

light. They are to open the soul to the bright beams of the Sun of

Righteousness."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 659.

The truly humble person is the truly happy person. He is not

troubled as to whether he is getting all that he deserves; he is

not comparing himself enviously with those who have more

than he does. He counts his blessings gratefully, noting with

concerned sympathy those who are less fortunate.

Christians, like their Master, should be the happiest people

alive. Happiness is the by-product of unselfish ministry for

others. It is not found in the pursuit or acquirement of those

worldly goals by which others recognize human achievement.

Simply put: The only way to find happiness is to follow the

example of our Lord, a beautiful blend of dignity and humility.

Knowing that no one strives to be unhappy, on what do I

spend most of my time and energy? Will such goals bring

worldly recognition but not true happiness?

"Real happiness is found only in being good and doing good.

The purest, highest enjoyment comes to those who faithfully

fulfill their appointed duties."—My

Life Today,

p. 168.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 650, 651.

LESSON 12 June 12 - 18

Model of Love

"This is my commandment, That ye

love one another, as I have loved you"

(John 15:12).

first thought one would think that

everyone knows what love is and that

the only problem is that selfishness

keeps us from loving.

Before Jesus came, the idea of love

(as set forth in the New Testament) was

only dimly grasped, even by God's

people, and nowhere expressed

outside of Hebrew thought. Even

today the Grecian idea oflove prevails

over the startling concepts of the New

Testament.

For the Greek, the phrase, "God is

love," would have been

incomprehensible. Love, for the

Greek, is wrapped in desire; love

seeks that which it lacks and that

which will add to its comfort or

recognition. This is one reason why

the cross of Christ is foolishness to the

Greeks. (See 1 Cor. 1:18-25.)

True love had to be seen by men and

women before it could be

understood. Not until Jesus lived His

life of model love did the human mind

grasp the force and drawing power of

that love that "came to seek and to

save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).

Love is not just one attribute of God

among many. God

love (1 John 4:8,

16); love is the very nature of God. We

discovered the height and depth of

this concept only through God's

revelation of Himself in Jesus, our

model.

When Jesus asks men and women to

love as He loved, is He asking the

impossible? The answer goes to the

heart of the great controversy. Lucifer

distrusted God, misread and

presumed upon God's love, and

thought that self-assertion was a

legitimate freedom. Instead of loving

his fellow angels, he began' to use

them for personal advantage; when

love went, so did honesty, openness,

and goodwill. Love no longer was

Lucifer's nature, and the tide of

suffering ever since has been the

result.

Jesus came to this earth without the

visible prerogatives of divinity. His

purpose was to show the wondering

universe, as well as men and women,

that love is not only possible but the

only way to live fully, happily,

winsomely.

The opposite of sin is the faith that

works through love (Gal. 5:6), just as

the opposite of death is life. When the

nature of men and women is

converted from selfishness

and self-assertiveness to genuine

love, then and only then are they fit

to live forever.

We are not talking about one

attribute among many but the

principle that begets all other

Christian graces. "The sanctification

of the soul by the working of the Holy

Spirit is the implanting of Christ's

nature in humanity. Gospel religion is

Christ in the life—a living, active

principle. It is the grace of Christ

revealed in character and wrought out

in good works. The principles of the

gospel cannot be disconnected from

any department of practical life. Every

line of Christian experience and labor

is to be a representation of the life of

Christ.

"Love is the basis of godliness."

—Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 384.

Our Model is not merely an example

which beckons us on but is never to be

reached. Jesus lived a life of love in

human flesh. That demonstration of

love is what He expects His followers

to reveal to the world as His last

invitation of mercy. "There is nothing

that Christ desires so much as agents

who will represent to the world His

Spirit and character. There is nothing

that the world needs so much as the

manifestation through humanity of

the Saviour's love. All heaven is

waiting for channels through which

can be poured the holy oil to be a joy

and blessing to human hearts."

—Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 419.

How long are we going to keep Jesus

waiting?

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

Harmless as Doves

(Matt. 10:16)

Fulfilling the Law-1

(Rom. 13:8)

Fulfilling the Law-2

(Luke 10:37)

Love Unrequited

(Matt. 23:37)

The Good Shepherd

(John 10:11)

Active Love Instead of Passive

Justice

(Matt. 7:12)

The cross of Jesus is ever contem-

porary; His gift of self-sacrifice for

humanity is an example to all believ-

ers, a challenge to give of ourselves

in love.



Model of Love



LESSON 12



❑

Sunday

June 12



Part 1



What interesting comparison did Jesus make when He in-

HARMLESS AS structed His disciples regarding the spirit that should mark His

DOVES true followers?

"Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves"

(Matt. 10:16).

Truth must be made clear; it must make its way in an arena

often preoccupied by either gross evil or sinister, devious coun-

terfeits. But truth cannot be proclaimed by force or hate. Such

methods and spirit cannot abide in the makeup of a person who

understands truth. Truth will make its way, not only because its

content is irrefutable, but also because its spirit is disarming to

those who honestly seek truth.

"Christ Himself did not suppress one word of truth, but He

spoke it always in love. He exercised the greatest tact, and

thoughtful, kind attention in His intercourse with the people. He

was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never

gave needless pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure

human weakness. He fearlessly denounced hypocrisy, unbelief,

and iniquity, but tears were in His voice as He uttered His

scathing rebukes.... While He always bore Himself with divine

dignity, He bowed with tenderest regard to every member of the

family of God."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 353.

To represent Jesus is more than to recite His words; it means

to "re-present" Him in flesh and blood. Therefore, His followers

"need to have close communion with God, lest, under provoca-

tion, self rise up, and they pour forth a torrent of words that are

unbefitting.... This is what Satan wants them to do; for these

are his methods. It is the dragon that is wroth; it is the spirit of

Satan that is revealed in anger and accusing. But God's ser-

vants are to be representatives of Him.... Then they can present

the gospel with divine tact and gentleness. And the spirit that is

kept gentle under provocation will speak more effectively in

favor of the truth than will any argument, however forcible."—

The Desire of Ages,

p. 353.

The spirit of the church member is more important than his

message in attracting others to stop long enough to hear him

out. Of Jesus we read: "The beauty of His countenance, the

loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look

and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief.

Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out

in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large

congregations that He did."

—The Desire of Ages,

p. 254.



FURTHER STUDY



Testimonies,

vol. 9, pp. 235, 236.



Model of Love



LESSON 12



❑

Monday

June 13



Part 2



How did Paul summarize obedience to the law of God?

FULFILLING THE



LAW-1



"Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he

who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law" (Rom.13:8, RSV).

This simple truth—"love is the fulfilling of the law" (Rom.

13:10)—has been very hard for even Christians to grasp. Chris-

tians have come up with endless procedures, duties, rules, and

standards in order to establish grounds for spiritual security—

but there is only one test that all who will be finally saved will

have to pass. Did they love genuinely, freely, and spontane-

ously? (See

The Desire of Ages,

pp. 637-641.)

In what real-life story did Jesus illustrate the principle of

love? Luke 10:23-37.

"In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the

nature of true religion. He shows that it consists not in systems,

creeds, or rites, but in the performance of loving deeds, in

bringing the greatest good to others, in genuine goodness."—

The Desire of Ages,

p. 497.

The love here described is far different from the diluted con-

cepts that so often pass for love. Christian love is not a good

feeling only, not an impulsive gesture of goodwill, not an at-

titude prompted by the attractive qualities of someone else.

Genuine love is a principle, not a feeling; it is the fundamental

principle of the universe, "the law of life for earth and heaven."

—The Desire of Ages,

p. 20.

The difference between earthly love and Christian love is that

the former is manifested toward the lovely, toward that which

will benefit the lover while the latter "seeketh not her own" and

even loves the unlovable. That kind of love was clearly man-

ifested in the mission of the God-man, Jesus Christ, who died

for us while we were yet sinners. (See Rom. 5:8.)



THINK IT THROUGH



Are people and their needs more important to me than

anything else in this world?

"When love fills the heart, it will flow out to others, not be-

cause of favors received from them, but because love is the

principle of action. Love modifies the character, governs the

impulses, subdues enmity, and ennobles the affections."—

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

p. 38.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 497-503.

Model of Love

LESSON 12



❑

Tuesday

June 14

Part 3



How did Jesus make clear that righteous living is on the

FULFILLING THE level of being and doing rather than merely in knowing about

LAW-2 righteousness?

"Then Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise" (Luke

10:37).

"The lawyer found himself a lawbreaker. He was convicted

under Christ's searching words. The righteousness of the law,

which he claimed to understand, he had not practiced. He had

not manifested love toward his fellow man."—The

Desire of

Ages,

p. 498.

"The Samaritan had obeyed the dictates of a kind and loving

heart, and in this had proved himself a doer of the law."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 504.

Something very fundamental about the quality of life is being

taught in the story of the Good Samaritan. The lesson was

emphasized in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus reminds

us that "not every one who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter

the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father"

(Matt. 7:21, RSV), and also in that sobering story of the judg-

ment (Matt. 25:31-46) where Christ "represented its decision as

turning upon one point. When the nations are gathered before

Him, there will be but two classes, and their eternal destiny will

be determined by what they have done or have neglected to do

for Him in the person of the poor and the suffering."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 637.

Faith in Jesus means more than most now understand and, in

the judgment, it will be too late to learn. "The faith in Christ

which saves the soul is not what it is represented to be by many.

... Belief that does not lead to obedience is presumption....

"Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the

commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of

love. . . . When benevolence, kindness, tenderheartedness,

sympathy, are manifested in our lives; when the joy of right

doing is in our hearts; when we exalt Christ, and not self, we may

know that our faith is of the right

order."—Thoughts From the

Mount of Blessing,

pp. 146, 147.

THINK IT THROUGH

Is genuine love something that I can plot and schedule or is

it a principle that controls me and directs my life, often in

unforeseen times and places?

Genuine love is spontaneous, impartial, and costs time,

energy, and resources, without any thought of repayment.

FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"Who Is My Neighbor?" pp. 380-389.

100

Model of Love

LESSON 12



❑

Wednesday

June 15

Part 4



How did Jesus make clear that love does not always

LOVE UNREQUITED awaken love?

THINK IT THROUGH

"How often would I have gathered your children together as

a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!"

(Matt. 23:37, RSV).

Jesus early in His life discovered the sting and heaviness. of

misunderstood, unrequited love—from his brothers, neighbors,

and church leaders. In His ministry He experienced it too.

"With a yearning heart, Jesus saw those who had been His

disciples departing from Him, the Life and the Light of men. The

consciousness that His compassion was unappreciated, His

love unrequited, His mercy slighted, His salvation rejected,

filled Him with sorrow that was inexpressible."—The

Desire of

Ages,

p. 393.

Anyone who desires to become like their model of love will

also experience similar pain. Parents because of Christlike love

will sense their duty to speak firmly to erring children—and

children will turn against them as surely as close disciples

turned from Jesus. ,Love does not always bring peace; often it

brings the sword of unrequited love.

From His farewell to Jerusalem, what do we learn about our

Lord's quality of life? Luke 19:41, 42.

Not easy was it forJesus to recognize unrequited love. "Jesus

raised His hand,—that had so often blessed the sick and

suffering,—and waving it toward the doomed city, in broken

utterances of grief exclaimed: 'if thou hadst known, even

thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy

peace!'

"—The Desire of Ages,

p.576.

However, in His last visit to the temple, during the mysterious

farewell of long-suffering love, Jesus showed us how to man-

ifest love in the face of hate and unconcern. "Keen and search-

ing had been His denunciation of sin; but He spoke no word of

retaliation. He had a holy wrath against the prince of darkness;

but He manifested no irritated temper.... Even in meeting those

who are moved by a power from beneath to maintain falsehood,

in Christ he [the Christian] will still preserve calmness and

self-possession."—The

Desire of Ages,

pp. 619, 620.

Is it possible that some people refuse to get involved with

the need of others because they do not want to suffer the pain

of rejected love?

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 575-578.

101

Model of Love

LESSON 12



❑

Thursday

June 16

Part 5

THE GOOD

SHEPHERD

With what scene did Jesus illustrate the power and scope of

genuine love?

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep" (John 10:11).

Especially for His hearers this picture of Jesus as a good

shepherd summed up all those qualities of thoughtfulness and

protection that were needed by any helpless and dependent

flock of sheep.

Whatever we say about Jesus in regard to the special qualities

of a good shepherd applies equally well to those who are called

to be His undershepherds—all His followers who have heard his

"Come." We are not called only to receive His blessings but to

be relay stations of these blessings as we convert them into our

own life-style and appealingly draw others unto us.

Sheep we are—helpless, dependent when on our own. To

recognize this is to begin to receive the blessings granted to

those who are "poor in spirit" (Matt. 5:3). But love sent the

Shepherd looking for us, not because we were lovable, but in

order that He might make us lovable and so, hopefully, eventu-

ally worth the effort.

As our Good Shepherd, He knows us by name; we were made

to hear and respond to His voice. Though He may be millions of

light-years away from us at the throne of the universe, through

His Spirit He is just as near as He was to Mary or Peter when they

knew Him. "And they shall never perish, neither shall any man

pluck them out of my hand" (John 10:28).



THINK IT THROUGH



How can selfishness or love be measured?

If I love only when convenient or when I am appreciated, is

that any more than a pagan would do? The Pharisees scolded

sinners and heaped scorn upon those who did not accept their

brand of religion. Yes, they had their hand of fellowship out—

they were known as proselytizers around the world; but was it

the hand of the Good Shepherd, extended from the tender,

loving heart?

"How many of the wandering ones have you, reader, sought

for and brought back to the fold? When you turn from those who

seem unpromising and unattractive, do you realize that you are

neglecting the souls for whom Christ is seeking? At the very

time when you turn from them, they may be in the greatest need

of your compassion."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 191.



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"The Lost Sheep," pp. 185-192.

102



Model of Love



LESSON 12



❑

Friday

June 17



Part 6



What basic principle of love has been called the golden

ACTIVE LOVE rule?

INSTEAD OF



PASSIVE JUSTICE



"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should

do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the

prophets" (Matt. 7:12).

Simply stated, this principle of the golden rule is "Christ's rule

of life, by which everyone of us must stand or fall in the

judgment."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 640.

For centuries the leading moralists emphasized the negative

golden rule; that is, "What is distasteful to yourself, do not to

your neighbor; that is the whole law, the rest is but commen-

tary." But that was only passive justice; Jesus poured love over

justice and turned the negative golden rule into its positive

principle.

Embedded in this golden rule is the implicit thought that the

Christian knows much that the unconverted do not know. The

Christian should in imagination place himself where the uncon-

verted are. Knowing what Jesus has taught him, the Christian

would be compelled by the golden rule to do unto others what

he would want them to do for him—if the other person did not

know the truth about God.

THINK IT THROUGH

In what respect is love the sum of all virtues and not just one

among many?

"Love is the basis of godliness. Whatever the profession, no

man has pure love to God unless he has unselfish love for his

brother. . . . When self is merged in Christ, love springs forth

spontaneously. The completeness of Christian character is at-

tained when the impulse to help and bless others springs con-

stantly from within—when the sunshine of heaven fills the heart

and is revealed in the countenance."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 384.

Christlike love is not only a benefit to others. If so, it could

easily be perverted into a varying measure of spirituality

whereby we can be proud of our obvious "self-lessness." True

love cannot be turned on and off according to the cir-

cumstances; it is the outworking of sanctification.

"Love for Him will give vital force to everything that is under-

taken. Thus through the right use of our talents, we may link

ourselves by a golden chain to the higher world. This is true

sanctification; for sanctification consists in the cheerful per-

formance of daily duties in perfect obedience to the will of

God."—Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 360.

FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 503-505.

103

LESSON 13 lune 19 - 25

The Model Waitins

"Seeing then that all these things

shall be dissolved, what manner of

persons ought ye to be in all holy

conversation and godliness, looking

for and hasting unto the coming of the

day of God, wherein the heavens

being on fire shall be dissolved, and

the elements shall melt with fervent

heat" (2 Peter 3:11, 12).

Seventh-day Adventists believe that

God wants to dispose of the sin

problem as fast as possible. He hates

sin for what it does to people. He

grieves when time lingers late in the

twentieth century unnecessarily,

allowing for more heartbreak,

disillusionment, pain, and horror on

this troubled planet. He is pained

when you hurt, either as the result of

your own folly, or as a victim of

someone else's mistake.

:o Be Reproduced

Adventists also believe that God will

bring an end to the sin problem at the

second coming of Jesus, and that this

momentous event has been delayed

not because God has changed His plan

but because His followers have not yet

fulfilled His plan. When God disposes

of the sin problem, there will be no

questions left regarding right and

wrong, or why it is always best to trust

and obey the Lord of the universe.

The evidence that vindicates God

will not be a matter of mere reason. It

rests in the living demonstration of

men and women who prove that

God's way is best, that His will

expressed in commandments and

counsel throughout the Bible

produces the happiest, pleasantest,

healthiest, most trustworthy people

on Planet Earth.

Becoming more like Jesus is our

goal as disciples, the focus of our

development until that day when His

image is fully reproduced in us.

For this demonstration God waits.

The world has been in a holding

pattern, a suspended countdown, for

a century. Several statements were

made by Ellen G. White in the 1880s

that noted the delay in the advent

that time,

emphasizing that Jesus

could have returned "years ago." The

primary concern of Seventh-day

Adventists is that men and women

everywhere become aware of the

urgency of time, that God is ready to

complete His plan for man's

redemption in our day, and that each

person's reaction to God's last

invitation to join His family seals his

eternal destiny.

We are living in that time when the

world needs a very clear

demonstration of God's will for men

and women, of His grace and love by

which men and women can be

changed into the likeness of their

Lord.

More than an individual effort here

and there, this last-day demonstration

will be a significant social impact of a

worldwide movement. It will be a

revelation of what happens when truth

settles deeply and comfortably into a

person's life-style, vindicating the

wisdom of God in waiting for this

generation to mature.

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS

The Faith of Jesus

(Rev. 14:12)

The Harvest Principle-1

(Mark 4:29)

The Harvest Principle-2

(Rev. 14:15, 16)

Bear Much Fruit

(John 15:8)

Even as He Overcame

(Rev. 3:21)

Christ's Representatives

(John 17:18)

The Model Waiting to Be Reproduced

LESSON 13

❑

Sunday

June 19



Part 1



What characteristics will set apart God's people in the last

THE FAITH OF generation?

JESUS

"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep

the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Rev.

14:12).

In that awesome fourteenth chapter of Revelation, Jesus out-

lined to John the earthshaking events that would characterize

the generation just preceding the second advent. The world will

be brought to decision by God Himself working through His

church, specifically those who "keep the commandments of

God, and the faith of Jesus."

The separation and the line of demarcation will become obvi-

ous; philosophies, theologies, and life-styles will be judged on

one basis—how faithfully is the character of Jesus being repro-

duced!.

Abundant are the references in the writings of Ellen G. White

that describe the harvest of the seeds of gospel truth. When

these shall be in full display, they will contrast with the full-

grown characteristics of those who have rejected the intent and

power of the gospel.

"The life of Christ on earth was a perfect expression of God's

law, and when those who claim to be children of God become

Christlike in character, they will be obedient to God's com-

mandments. Then the Lord can trust them to be of the number

who shall compose the family of

heaven."—Christ's Object Les-

sons,

p. 315.

What is the connection between commandment keeping

and the faith of Jesus?

"In order to be prepared for the judgment, it is necessary that

men should keep the law of God. That law will be the standard of

character in the judgment.... Faith is essential in order to the

keeping of the law of God; for 'without faith it is impossible to

please Him.' And 'whatsoever is not of faith is sin.'

"—The Great

Controversy,

p. 436.



THINK IT THROUGH



What relation is there between the character of Jesus and

the faith of Jesus?

Jesus overcame temptation the same way we must—by faith,

by that trusting, obedient relationship with the Father that says

Yes to whatever God says is best. The faith of Jesus developed

the character of Jesus. Such will be the experience of His

people in the last days.



FURTHER STUDY



The Great Controversy,

pp. 483-491.

106

The Model Waiting to Be Reproduced

LESSON 13

❑

Monday

June 20

Part 2

THE HARVEST

PRINCIPLE-1

How did Jesus describe the condition that would determine

the end of the world?

"When the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, be-

cause the harvest has come" (Mark 4:29, RSV).

Here Jesus refers to the harvest principle that is employed

often in the Scriptures when the unfolding of God's purposes

are described. The harvest principle helps explain why the day

and hour of Christ's return cannot be predicted and what it is for

which our Lord yet waits.

Jesus chose to compare the end of this world to a farmer's

harvest, because He knew that men everywhere understand, to

some degree, the hopes and problems connected with harvest-

ing a field of wheat or tomatoes in a backyard garden. He

compared the focal point of the plan of salvation to an earthly

harvest.

In what ways are the goals of the kingdom of God and a

farmer's field of grain the same?

Neither is ready to harvest unless the grain has matured. Even

as the farmer waits for his grain to mature, so Jesus waits until

the gospel seed has produced a sizable and significant group of

mature Christians.

Developing this biblical concept of the harvest principle,

Ellen White wrote: "The object of the husbandman in the sow-

ing of the seed and the culture of the growing plant is the

production of grain.... So the divine Husbandman looks for a

harvest as the reward of His labor and sacrifice. Christ is seek-

ing to reproduce Himself in the hearts of men: and He does this

through those who believe in Him. The object of the Christian

life is fruit bearing—the reproduction of Christ's character in

the believer, that it may be reproduced in others."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 67.



THINK IT THROUGH



In view of the truth stated above, what am I personally doing

to hasten or delay His return?

Ellen White comments on the biblical principle of the harvest:

"Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of

Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be

perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim

them as His

own."—Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 69.



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons, "First

the Blade, Then the Ear," pp.

62-69.

107

The Model Waiting to Be Reproduced

LESSON 13

❑

Tuesday

June 21



Part 3



How did Jesus, through John the revelator, describe the

THE HARVEST fulfillment of the harvest principle?

PRINCIPLE-2

"Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee

to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on

the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was

reaped" (Rev. 14:15, 16).

Sadly, while the power of God is maturing Christlike charac-

ters, there is the parallel development of maturing sinners,

symbolized elsewhere by the tares. The last days will give evi-

dence, not only of what the power of God can do for men and

women, but also of what unrestrained self-indulgence and hate

will do. The exhibit of a world of greedy, thoughtless, violent

men and women will stand in stark contrast with those who

stand for integrity, peace, and hope. The harvest for which

Jesus waits will separate the end products of faith and of sin—

commandment keepers who reflect Christ's character from

those who have fully developed the characteristics of the beast

and his image.

The purpose of the divine Husbandman is to have the divine

seed—the principles of the gospel—bear fruit. The goal of the

divine seed sowing is to reproduce men and women like Jesus.

Such a goal is not visionary; it is the crowning glory of God's

love and grace and that for which all Heaven waits.

"By revealing in our own life the character of Christ we co-

operate with Him in the work of saving souls. It is only by

revealing in our life His character that we can co-operate with

Him. And the wider the sphere of our influence, the more good

we may do. When those who profess to serve God follow

Christ's example, practicing the principles of the law in their

daily life; when every act bears witness that they love God

supremely and their neighbor as themselves, then will the

church have power to move the

world."—Christ's Object Les-

sons,

p. 340.



THINK IT THROUGH



In what way does Jesus become my model during this time

that could be that of the last generation?

Someday a generation of advent-oriented Christians will rec-

ognize that God waits for a people about whom He can proudly

say, "Here they are; everyone look at them carefully. Do you

want what they have? Do you want your children to grow up like

theirs? Do you want their happiness and hope? If you do, then

you must know their secret. They keep My commandments, and

they have a faith like Jesus had."



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"Without a Wedding Garment," pp.

314-319.

108

The Model Waiting to Be Reproduced

LESSON 130

Wednesday

June 22

Part 4



How did Jesus connect character development and the

BEAR MUCH FRUIT glory of God?

THINK IT THROUGH

"By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and

so prove to be my disciples" (John 15:8, RSV).

Sin is not only distrust and disobedience; it is also robbery. It

misappropriates that which belongs to God; it is a theft that

builds up a kingdom over against the kingdom of God. Sin

matures a character that is in stark contrast with the self-

sacrificing character of God.

One of the reasons why Jesus came to earth was to give men

and women a model of what the truly human 'Was like; He

showed us that the sanctified life simply means that God has full

ownership—mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. The

rebel misuses and defaces God's original property; but the loyal

Christian will reflect the glory of God's kingdom.

"All who receive Christ as a personal Saviour are to dem-

onstrate the truth of the gospel and its saving power upon the

life.... All the riches of heaven are to be revealed through God's

people."—Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 301.

Reflecting or glorifying Christ is to be the sole goal of Chris-

tianity, just as reflecting or glorifying the Father was the sole

goal of our Lord's life.

True Christians will reflect the character of God; and God

will be vindicated in the great controversy. What is the rela-

tionship between these two truths?

"Of the Spirit Jesus said, 'He shall glorify Me.' The Saviour

came to glorify the Father by the demonstration of His love; so

the Spirit was to glorify Christ by revealing His grace to the

world. The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity.

The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfec-

tion of the character of His people."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 671.

No other concept is more thrilling or more sobering than this:

The plan of salvation, as well as the time for the second advent,

depends upon the quality of glory that Christians reflect. "In His

people He is glorified. Through them the Sun of Righteousness

will shine in undimmed luster to the world.... He has bestowed

upon His people capabilities and blessings that they may repre-

sent His own sufficiency. The church, endowed with the righ-

teousness of Christ, is His depositary, in which the riches of His

mercy, His grace, and His love, are to appear in full and final

display."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 680.

FURTHER STUDY



The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 9-16.

109

The Model Waiting to Be Reproduced

LESSON 13

❑

Thursday

June 23



Part 5



How closely are we to copy the Model Man?

EVEN AS HE



OVERCAME



"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my

throne, even as I also overcame" (Rev. 3:21).

"These are the words of our Substitute and Surety. He who is

the divine Head of the church, the mightiest of conquerors,

would point His followers to His life, His toils, His self-denials,

His struggles and sufferings, through contempt, through rejec-

tion, ridicule, scorn, insult, mockery, falsehood, up the path of

Calvary to the scene of the crucifixion, that they might be en-

couraged to press on toward the mark for the prize and reward

of the overcomer. Victory is assured through faith and

obedience."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Commen-

tary, vol.

7, p. 966.

That glorious group in Revelation 14:12—those who keep the

commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus—are over-

comers!

Constantly we must keep in mind that "Christ's overcoming

and obedience is that of a true human being. . . .

"The obedience of Christ to His Father was the same obedi-

ence that is required of man. Man cannot overcome Satan's

temptations without divine power to combine with his instru-

mentality. So with Jesus Christ; He could lay hold of divine

power. He came not to our world to give the obedience of a

lesser God to a greater, but as a man to obey God's holy law, and

in this way He is our example. The Lord Jesus came to our world,

not to reveal what a God could do, but what a man could do,

through faith in God's power to help in every emergency. Man

is, through faith, to be a partaker in the divine nature, and to

overcome every temptation wherewith he is beset.

"The Lord now demands that every son and daughter of

Adam, through faith in Jesus Christ, serve Him in human nature

which we now have.... Jesus, the world's Redeemer, could only

keep the commandments of God in the same way that humanity

can keep them."—Ellen G. White Comments,

SDA Bible Com-

mentary, vol.

7, p. 929.



THINK IT THROUGH



When Jesus asks us to obey and overcome as He did, does

this make us happy or sad? Is this good news or dreary?

Could any news be more needed? What can bring us more

hope and greater happiness than to believe that we need not

succumb to temptation, that we need not remain sinners! This is

good news for honest, struggling men and women everywhere.



FURTHER STUDY



The Desire of Ages,

pp. 664-668.

110

The Model Waiting to Be Reproduced

LESSON 13



❑

Friday

June 24



Part 6



What is the high calling every genuine Christian responds

CHRIST'S to?

REPRESENTATIVES

"As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also

sent them into the world" (John 17:18).

"As Christ is the channel for the revelation of the Father, so

we are to be the channel for the revelation of Christ. While our

Saviour is the great source of illumination, forget not, 0 Chris-

tian, that He is revealed through humanity. . . . The church of

Christ, every individual disciple of the Master, is heaven's ap-

pointed channel for the revelation of God to men. Angels of

glory wait to communicate through you heaven's light and

power to souls that are ready to perish."—Thoughts

From the

Mount of Blessing,

p. 40.

One of the saddest misunderstandings and the most tragic of

perversities has been for Christians to think that they are reveal-

ing Christ and His truth by merely talking about Him and reciting

His words. God could not have revealed His love and holiness by

writing the message across the clouds; no more can we truly

reveal His love and power by merely proclaiming it from the

pulpit or the printing press.

Ellen White often describes the forces of heaven as "waiting"

for church members to grasp the purpose for their lives and why

Jesus has not returned. (See

The Acts of the Apostles,

p. 111;

and

The Desire of Ages,

p. 297.)



THINK IT THROUGH



What is my first responsibility to God and the test of my

fitness for heaven?

"Consider the life of Christ. Standing at the head of humanity,

serving His Father, He is an example of what every son should

and may be. The obedience that Christ rendered God requires

from human beings

today."—Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 282.

"By implanting in their [Christ's followers'] hearts the princi-

ples of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes

of God. The light of His glory—His character—is to shine forth in

His followers."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 414.

"At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a

message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power.

His character is to be made known. . . .

.. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own

life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has

done for them."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

pp. 415, 416.



FURTHER STUDY



Christ's Object Lessons,

"To Meet the Bridegroom," pp.

408-414.

111

Lessons for 3rd Quarter/1977

Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult Lessons for the

third quarter of 1977 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first two

lessons. The title of the series is "God's Chosen People."

First Lesson

A COVENANT PEOPLE. Memory text, Gen. 17:7.

1. By Faith Alone (Gen. 14:6)

2. Grace and Obedience (Ex. 20:2, 3)

3. A Renewed Fellowship (Joshua 24:24-26)

4. Israel and the Nations (Ps. 67:1, 2, 7)

5. Apostasy (Hosea 8:14; 9:1)

6. The Hope of Israel (Jer. 31:32, 33)

Second Lesson

THE TRUE ISRAEL. Memory text, Rom. 9:7, 8.

Jesus and the Jews (John 1:11)

The Church and Israel (Gal. 3:29)

Jesus and the Gentiles (John 3:16)

The Church and the World (Matt. 28:19)

Jesus and the Apostles (Mark 3:14)

The Church Apostolic (Eph. 2:20)

Lessons in arc iIIQ

The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each month in Braille

and 16

rpm records to blind and physically handicapped persons who cannot read

normal inkprint. This includes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple

sclerosis, paralysis, accidents, old age, and so forth, cannot hold or focus on normal

inkprint publications. Contact the Christian Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097,

Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.

I love the

large print quarterly!

If you would like the large print, easy-to-read quarterly for your

personal use, simply fill out this form and give to your local church

lay activities secretary with your remittance.

Order



subscriptions for large print senior

Sabbath School lesson quarterly at $5.00 per year.

Name



Street



City



State



Zip



This offer expires December 31, 1977.

Mes



es for a

nd People

Have you ever wondered why

Jesus hasn't come? Could it be

that we Seventh-day Adventists

have largely missed or

misunderstood the message of the

sanctuary service as it relates not

only to our standing with God but to

our total lives? Dr. Herbert E.

Douglass, a former associate

editor for the

Review and Herald,

takes a closer look at the

sanctuary service,

demonstrating in the light of

this timely message that God

is waiting for a people who will live

Christlike lives. WHY JESUS WAITS-

it's a message for our time!

95 cents each.

Laodicea : A message to the

seventh church, to a people who

aren't hot or cold, just lukewarm.

Are we that church and people?

Find out for yourself as Thomas A.

Davis, author of HOW TO BE A

VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN,

analyzes the message to the last

church in a Biblical and Spirit of

Prophecy context, emphasizing

our spiritual needs and how they

may be fulfilled. LAODICEA: THE

CHURCH THAT DOESN'T KNOW

—read a message for today's

people! $2.95 each.

.4 • .p

r..• •

.44

Order from your local Adventist Book Center or

ABC Mailing Service, P.O. Box 31776, Omaha,

Nebraska 68131. Please add 5 per cent or a

minimum charge of 40 cents for mailing.

Add sales tax where applicable.

TTI1T) 1977

Everyone is concerned about the future!

Man is destroying himself and his Planet Earth. Is there any hope? The arms race,

lawlessness, population explosion, food shortages, energy and environment

crisis—what is it all about? Where are we going? Where will we end up? What are the

solutions to the problems our Planet Earth faces today? This is what GOOD-BYE

PLANET EARTH is all about. This book could be the most enlightening book you have

ever read. Give a copy to your friends and neighbors. There isn't much time left! Make

sure you get off Planet Earth alive! Available now for only $1.95 at your Adventist Book

Center or ABC Mailing Service, Box 31776, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. In Canada, P.O.

Box 398, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7L5. Please enclose 5 percent (40 cents minimum) for

shipping and handling.

Brought to you by Pacific Press Publishing Association.

Onions

Population

Church.

Church

laarribrirs

Sabbath

School

Members

Bangladesh Section

75,000,000

2,027

2,752

Burma

29,563,000

6,728

7,914

Central India

148,558,650

134

30,400

35,305

Northern

319,507,065

129

12,686

14,467

Pakistan

65,000,000

2,030

3,769

South India

95,206,845

300

36,651

20,778

Sri Lanka

13,000,000

1,133

1,485

Afghanistan

16,000,000

—

Division Totals

761,835,560

725

91,655

86,470

(Figures as of 4th Quarter,

1975)

‘

BANGLADESH

RCM Wore;

Ranchi

Hospital